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INDUSTRIKS AND INSTITU'IIONS 



CENTRE COUNTY, 



HISTORICAL, SKETCHES 



IMNCIPAL VI).l.A(n:s. i*ec., c\:( 



('(>:\ii'ii,!;]) I'.Y I), s. siwyiwi]). 



:ri.zo:E3:i:E: <sz, :Lvd:w^"3ri<r.^:R,ZD, 

PUBI.ISHF.Rs. 



bellp:fonte, pa.: 

IF.PriiLRAN JOl! PRlN'I'INd HOUSE. 
1S77. 



Ad V. 



^ aA 



PREFACE 



It is tlu' (lesion of the coiiipilci- t(i present in tliis woi-k sueli 
matter as, in his jiuluinent, will l)e rln' most valual)!e and most 
interesting' to the "cneral readei'. In attemptinu' this he is f'nlly 
aware of the diftieulties to be overcomi', and of his liahility to criti- 
cism. The scarcity of reliable data renders it ini])os>il)le to attain 
absolute' accni'acv, es[)ecially in uivinu' historical information. It is 
ho|)ed an<l believed, however, that this work contains as few im])()i'- 
tant eri'ors as usually o-'ur in publications of it^ kind. 

It is proper Ucw to acknowledue assistance received from vai'iou> 
citizens of the countv. Amono' those who have furnished valuable 
information and aided in the collection of material for the following 
pa,<res, are: PI ('. Humes, Es(j., <Ten. James A. Beaver, ex-dovernor 
Curtin, Kdnuind Blanchard, Escp, W. P. Wilson, Esq., Mrs. Annie 
McBride, Mrs. Elizabeth Liviiifjfston, James McIMaims, Esq., Gen. Miles 
Green, Dr. W. I. Wilson, John Irwin, Jr., P^ldei- Nathan J. ]\Iitch- 
ell, and James H. Hankin, Escp Thanks are especially due the gen- 
tlemen who have ])rei)ared the several sketches t(» which their names 
are attached, and also to the county officials who so kindly assisted 
in the examination of records, ttc. i). s. m. 

Bellefonte, Pa., Oct. 10, 1877. 



INI )X8T HIES AND INS^I ITl TIONS 



CENTRE COUNTS 



/ 



HIS TORK \ 1 L SKET( 'H. 

(^fff-i HI'] history of the reuioii eoinprised within the pi-esent liiiiitt* of 
1^1 Centre County is necessarily interwoven with tliat of the several 
'f^^ counties of whicli it oriiiinally formed a part, vi/.., ^{iiWin, Xorth- 
uinherland, Lycoining- and Huntinjidon, from which it was taken in 
l.SOO; and a historical sketch of the county, however brief, should 
Ix'iiin with, or prior to, the time when the first permanent settlers 
h)cated u])on its soil. This takes us back more than a hundred years 
— to a [H'riod when wild animals and wild men seemed to vie with 
each oilier in their hostility to the white intruder, their common foe. 

That the territory under consideration was once a favorite hunting- 
ground of the Indians there is no doubt whatever. Though there 
are many evidences, traditicmary and otherwise, that they roamed in 
vast numbers over the mountains, and through the valleys, there are 
very few monumental remains now existing to indicate their former 
l)resen('e. Occasionally a mound of earth, supposed to have been 
thrown up by them, has been discovered ; but such relics are exceed- 
ingly rare, and of doubtful origin, no one being fully prepared to 
say ; when, by whom, and for what particular purjiose they were 
l)uilt, the general supposition, however, is, that they marked the 
site of some important event, or the burial place of a dead 
chieftain. 

It should be borne in mind that the Indians had no fondness for 
physical labor, as such. Though they would endure the hardships 
and privations of a long march through a wild and desolate region, 
they were never knoAvn to injure their constitutions by what might 



1 iM)i>Ti;ii:s AXi) i\sTiTrT[()Xs 

he tiTiiU'd actual lahor. Hunfiim', iisliiiig and fiuhliiig, constituted 
the routine of their daily duties, while the work fell to the lot of the 
uneomplaining scjuaw. Therefore it is not to he supposed, that, 
being eonstitutionally averse to manual lahor, they would toil and 
sweat to rear lofty ])iles, even to comnienioi'ate their own skill and 
greatnes<, a- architect^, or to inunorialize the name and fame of a 
departed hero. The principal " monuments" raised bv the Indians 
to mark the resting place of the dead, -,\ere either mounds of eai'tli 
or piles of stone thrown loosely together— just such structures a- it 
is reasonable to suppose would have been made by decrej)it old men 
or over-worked women. Hence the scarcity, or even the total 
absence, of such remains in certain localities, is no proof wlnstever 
that the Indians had not, at some time, lived and moved and held 
high carnival there. 

Then again it should be remembered that in constructing their 
habitations the surface of the ground was scarcely <listurbed. A 
certain spot may have been occupied by wigwams for ^.-eneration-: ; 
but a few years after their removal not a vestige would remain to 
mark the place. Furthermore, it wa- often the ca<e, except in 
especial instances, that the remain- of their dead were taken for 
interment a considerable distance from their favorite haunts. 

The pioneers of Centre county, like those of other localities, 
encountered many hardships and endured many |)rivations. Econ- 
omy, in some cases the most rigid, had to be practiced; privileges, 
now so ci)mnu)n in every day life in the country, were then 
unthought of; luxuries, such a-< now are enjoyed bv the masses, 
were out of the question. In fact, the resources of the parents were 
often severely taxed to provide food and clothing for their children. 
It has been said, that the matrons of the Bald Eagle Valley, in 
early times, employed themselves during the wintei" in spininng flax 
and tow, and weaving it into cloth for summer use, while, in the 
summer, they spent their time in manufacturing woolen fabrics for 
winter wear. 

Frontier life is about the .same the world over. "First settlers," 
those who prepare the way — lay the foundation for a more advanced 
civilization — always have to endure toils, undergo trials and submit 



oi" ('i;Nri;i: coiniv. ;> 

to |)eri)ic xiii:;' iiK (iiivcihciiccs jniiii wliidi llicii' inoix' iiivni-cd 
successors woiiid sc()rniiil!y -lirliik; liii;,:is has ollcn hccii i-(iiiark((l, 
ilicy arc in.rc -ucial and " iiciuhhorly,'" iiu.i'c oMiiiiiiii- to (ucli otiicr, 
than arc ;lic ])co|)li' of tlci.scly j;o|»ulaic(l rcuiohs. Tlicir interests 
ui'.d (iistinics arc hlcndcd toycllur and int( rniinuKd. Thev pass 
throiiiili the same hardshi[)s, eiicuiiniu- the same (hmaers, and sliarc 
toucher the same privih'ii'cs ar.d cnioynu'i.ts. Imhcd, thev hcl]) to 
heir each otht r"s hiirdens, and imil\:ally participate in tht' vai'ions 
pl(a.-nr<s (;f their hinnblc lives. Thi y wee]) touetiicr and console 
eiuh oih( i' in hours of affliction, and rejoice in unison under the 
benign influences of a smilino- l'i-ovidence. Tlius it was witli the 
early inhahitanvs ol' Centiv and adjoinin.ji' conntio. Their lives 
were liy i;o means monotonous, as nuiv be supposed ; and vherc is no 
doubt \vliat(vcr that, notwithstanding;- their uniiivorablc surround- 
inus, they,a<a !j:ciiei'al thinu', took "solid comfort." Their Avork was 
t'ljlscinc, and their iood exccediuiily plain, but wlioksome, as theii' 
via'cn u.s consiiiulions attested. Tin ii' amusements wc re essentiallv 
limited, and consisted of huntiuii' and tishino- ( which, by the wav, 
were im])oi-larit means of obtainiuu' subsistence , and occasionally a 
social ajillu'l'ini:', or danciuLi' iroiic, when a party sufHcientlv large to 
form a set could be <i-otten louether. It ha])pcned sometimes on 
such occasions, that, owinu' to the inability of the "hulies" to be 
present, the dance was conducted entirely by the men, who chose 
their partners I'rom thcii' own sex, and entered into tlie s})irit of the 
atiair with o-reat zest and manifestations of supreme enjoyment. 

Ntitui-e has been accused of partiality in the distribution of hci' 
favors. She is charged with scattering them with a lavish hand in 
some places, and par.simoniouslv withholding them in others. — 
Whether these cliarges are true or false, it is an indisputable fact 
that Centre county has received a full share of her richest bounties, 
and man has not been unnnndl'ul of this right to employ hi.s skill 
and energy in appro])riating her favors to his own use. The forest 
trees he has manufacture<l into kunber. The streams tliemselves he 
has converted into ])ublic highways. The minerals with which the 
region abounds, he has made to serve imi)ortant ])urposes. The very 
rocks and stones he has utilized in making roads, and in buildiuir 



rxDrsTiuics AND ixsTiTrnoxs 



variou^i .•^trvictureH. He has hridji'cd rhc slreaiusaiul used ilieir waters 
as moving power for machinery. He has l)iiilt railroads, and opened . 
public thoroughfares, leadr'ng in every direction. He has cleared 
and cultivated the soil, making it produce abundantly. Ho has 
reared fine buildings for religious and educational jiui-poses. Hv has 
built towns and villages on every hand. In fact, where the Red 
Man once roamed in fearless freedom, and whooi)ed in barbaric rev- 
elry, there has been planted a progre.ssive and endui-iug civilization. 

THE FIB ST SETTLERS. 

It is difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain when the first actual 
settlement was made in what is now Centre county. It is known, 
however, that it was previous to the Revolutionary war, Ibr " in 
1776," according to Linn, " Penn's Valley was pretty numerously 
settled ;" and Sherman Day says, in alluding to the Fort Stanv,ix 
Treaty in 1768, "about that time, or as some say, a year or two 
previous, Andrew Boggs, lather of the late distinguished Judge 
Boggs, erected his cabin on the left bank of Bald Eagle Creek, 
opposite to an old Indian village on the fiats near where Milesburg 
is now situated. Daniel and Jonas Davis, Low Dutchmen, settled 
a few years after Mr. Boggs, a little further down the creek. There 
was a block-house at Davis' place, at which a garrison was stationed 
for » while in 1777. Not long after Mr. Boggs, Mr. William Land) 
settled on Spring C'reek, about a mile below Bellefonte, just above 
the gap in the mountains. Richard Malone was also an early set- 
tler in the valley. A ]\Ir. Cnlbertson, who was killed by the In- 
dians, appears also to have settled somewhere in the valley during 
the Revolution. Soon after the treaty of 17()M, James Potter, after- 
ward a Brigadier (ieneral undei- Washington, came up the West 
Branch and Bald Eagle Creek, to seek for choice lands. He crossed 
the Nittany mountain, at Logan's Gap, and for the first time set 
his eyes upon lovely Penn's Valley, afterward his liai)i)y home. — 
After reconnoitering the valley he descended Penn's C'reek in a 
canoe; but soon returned again, took up a large body (')f land, made 
a settlement there, and erected a stockade foi-t." Other pre-revolu- 



OK CKNI-I;]-: COINTV. .) 

lioimrv se'ltlevs of the valley wvvr .Idliii LiviiiLi'.-Niii, Maurice Davis 
aii.l John Mall. 

Ill coniiiioii wirli many ollicrs, ( u'licral Potter was driven fVoni 
his home by tlie Indians at the ()})eniii_i>- of the ivexohilion. lie 
entei'ed tlie servi('(> of Iiis country, and was witli Wasliinulon at 
A'alley Forue, lirandywine, ( lerniantowii and in New ,|ersev. it is 
evident, IVom letters, orders and othei- |)a|K'rs now in possession 
oi' his descendants, tliat he liad tlie eiiiiri- confidence of his superior 
olticer. < )ne lelter in ])articuiar, ^iviiiix instructions and explicit 
directions in reaard to the details of a cei'rain important expedition 
to he conducted by (General Potter, is in the hands of Dr. Potter, 
of Bellelonte, areat-siTandson of the (Tcueral. 

At the close of the war, General Potter returned to hi.- possessions 
in Penn's Valley, and subsequently became deputy-surveyor lor the 
Sixth district. He died in Franklin county. Pa., in the fall of 
17>S5t, from the effects of an injury received while assisting at some 
work ii])on his ])ro])erty. He had aone to Franklin countv for the 
jHirpose of aettinu' medical assistance, ami soon died, at the residence 
of his daughter. 

( Jeneral Philip Beniier was one of the early and j)rominent 
citi/.ens of the county. In 1792 lie located iu Sprina townshi]), 
where he died in 1838. He was ;i native of Chester county. When 
quite yi)U]ii.>' he took uj) arms aaainst ;he IJritish, under (leneral 
Wayne, wh*) wa< a relative. After the war, he became a successful 
manufacturer of iron, at C-'oventry forae in (-hester coui'.ty. About 
the year 1790, he purchased the property in Centre county known 
as '■ Pock Furnace," and soon after ei'ected a forae, one of the first 
in the county, to whicli he subsecjuently added another for^J-e, a 
furnace and a rolling mill. The rising importance of the West 
impressed him with the idea of opening comnumication with 
Pittsburgh, as a market for his iron and nails. He succeeded, and 
for many years enjoyed, without coni[)etition, the trade in what he 
called "Juniata iron," for the western country. He held the 
rank of iMa)or-( Jeneral of militia, and was twice a Presidential 
elector. 

Andrew Grea'a wa- another prominent citizen in the early days of 



6 IXDISTRIKS AXl) IXsnTlTK )XS 

Centre County. He was horn at Carlisle, l^i., on June lOth, 17o5. 
He received a classical education, and was engaiicd for some years 
as tutor in the University of Pennsylvania. In 1788 he cc^nnienced 
the husiness of store keeper in Middletown, I)au])hin county. Four 
years later he married a daughter of Gen. Potter, and in the follow- 
ing year moved to Penn's Valley, where he settled down in the woods 
and commenced the husiness of farming, ahout two miles from Pot- 
terai' old fort. He remained on his farm until 1814, when he re- 
moved to Bellefonte for the purpose of educating liis children, seve- 
ral of whom were still young. In 1790 he was elected a member of 
Congress, and re-elected several times, serving in all sixteen success- 
ive years, and during the session of 1806-7 was chosen a member of 
the United States Senate. In 1820 he was called to the position of 
Secretary of the Commonwealth by Gov. Hiester. " As a public 
man, as well as in private life, he was remarkable for a sound and 
disci'iminating mind, agreeable and dignified maimers, and unbend- 
ing and unyielding honesty." 

Col. John Patton, Avho built the hrst furnace in the territory of 
Centre county, was a Major in Col. Sanuiel Miles' regiment, appoint- 
ed ]March 18th, 177(i. He participated in the battle of Long Island, 
was appointed Major of the Ninth Peimsylvania regiment, October 
25, 1776, and after the organization of the Pennsylvania Line in 
1777 commanded one of the additional regiments. He and his old 
friend, C-ol. Miles, became associated in the iron business in Centre 
County, and together owned vast tracts of land. He died in 1802. 

Cbl. Sanuiel Miles, the founder of Milesburg, took a very active 
part in the Revolutionary war, was in active servix?e a long time, 
and })erf()rmed most important duties. While yet an Ensign in Col. 
Clapham's regiment, he particii)ated in the building of Fort Augusta, 
(now Sunbury,) in 1756. In his journal he gives the following 
brief account of his experience at that time and for a year or two 
after : " We marched up the west side of the Sus([uehanna until we 
came op])osite where the town of Sunbury now stands, where we 
crossed in bateaux, and I had the honor of being the first man who 
put his foot on shore at landing. In building the fort. Captain Levi 
Trump and myself had charge of the workmen; and alter it was 



Ol' CICXTIii; CorNTY. / 

finislu'd, our Itat'.alli m rcinaiiRMl there in iiurrisoii till \7')><. In the 
suniinei' (if 17-")7, I wa< nearly taken ])ris(»nei' hv the hidians. At 
ahout oni'-hali' mile dislant i'roni the fort stood a lari;-e tree that l)ore 
exeellent plums, on an oj)"n ])ieee of li'roiind, in'ar what is now called 
tlu' I>loodv SpriiiL!,-. Lieut. Samuel Alice and myself took a walk 
to tliii^ tree to trather plums. While we were there a parly of Indians 
lay a short distance from us, concealed in the thicket, and had nearly 
ii'ot betwt'cn us and the fort, when a soldie)' lu'lonijina' to the bullock 
ijuard, not far from us, came to the spriuir to drink. The Indiavis 
were thereby in danger <»f beiny discovered; and in conse(|uence, 
tired at and killed the soldier, by which means we g(tt off, and re- 
turned to the foi't in nnieh less time than we were in coming out." 

After returning to civil life, ('oL Miles engaged extensively in 
business pursuits, and became owner of valuable property. During 
the latter part of his life he was largely interested in the manufac- 
ture ot iron, and built works for that ]:)urpose on Spring Creek, 
between Milesburg and Bellcfonte. They are now owned by McCoy 
c'e Linn. He not only laid out Alilesburg, but did more to advance 
its growth and })rosperitv, than anv other individual. He died 
about the year ISO"). 

The Potter family seems t > have b 'en one of the mo-t pi-ominent 
in this section of the State. Two, at least, of the (reneral's sons 
oecupied positions before the ])ublic in various official capacities. 
One of them became (leneral, and another, James, Jr., succeeded 
his father as (lei)Uty-surveyor. The following letter, written by him 
to Chief Justice McKean, recjuesting the ap]>ointnient, may be 
somewhat interesting to the reader: 

Pp:nN(^ Vali.kv, K) December, ']7<S!). 
Tete Hoxokarle Thomas ^I('Kp:ax, ksc^: 

Sir: — Doubtless before you receive this you will have heard 
of the death of my father. The district, in the new purchase for 
which he was surveyor, will of course become vacant. I |)resume 
that, from my knowledge of that country and experience in the 
surveying business, if I was appointed to succeed him in the district, 
I coidd do the business as nuicli to the satisfaction of the i)ul)lic as 



^ IXDrsTRIES AM) IXsTiTl'TIONS 

Hiiy otlier man. Mv a^o and close c )niinenieut at Iioiuf ha\'e 
prevented my being al)l(> to make many friends in Pii!ladol})hia, and 
my situation renders it impossible for me to go there at })resent. I 
must, therefore, sir, ])resume so iar on your goodnes-^ as to solicit 
your interest in obtaining me this appointment. I flatter myself I 
^thall merit your approbation and give general satisfaction in the 
discharge of the office. Your attention, sir, in this atthir, will lay 
lasting obligations on your friend and most obed. s'v't, 

Jamks Pottkk. 

The following from Surveyor-Geiieral Brodhead to Thomas 
Miffiin, President of the [Supreme Executive Council of the State. 
shows that Mr. Potter's request was not in vain : 

Sukveyok-Gexekal's Office, January 20, 17!)(l. 

'Sir: — I have appointed Mr. James Potter deputy-surveyor (jf 
District No. Six in the new ])urchase, become vacant by the death 
of his father, and submit his a})})ointment for the a])probation of 
the Supreme Executive Council. 

I have the honor to be, ^-ir, your most obed't serv'l, 
Daxiee Bi;()T)Head, S. (I. 

In achlition to the pioneers already mentioned, Col. John Holt, a 
Revolutionary soldier, settled in Bald Eagle valley in 1782, neai- 
where Curtin's iron works now stand. He was grandi'ather of J. PI. 
and Wm. Holt, well known citizen of Centre county, and among 
the very first settlers of the north-western portion of the county. 
Holt's brother-in-law, John Harbison, settled about the same time 
near the site of Milesburg. McCee and Tipton, also his brothei's- 
in-law, located near where the village of Howard is now situated. 
So did Capt. John Askey, another soldier of the Revolution. 

The first settlers of the county were, as a general thing, persons 
of education and ability, some of them ranking as scholars ; which 
accounts, to a great extent, for the intelligence now displayed among 
its people. Bellefonte, the county seat, has probably more well- 
informed men and women than any other town of its size in 
the State. 



Till-: JXDIAXS. 

Miiiiv ii\s;ancts havf l)i'^'n related oi' the cruel trearnieiit received 
])v the early settlers of Bald I'^atile and Peniis \''ul]eys at the hands 
of the Iiulians. Olleu thev were sui'prised at nliiJit, their houses 
plundered, and their cuttle and other live stock driven ofi'. Their 
live< were i'r.Hiuently e:ulano'ered, and in many instances taken, 
('ajitivity, witii the most barbarous treatment, often I'ell to their lot. 
For many years after the county was settled, the inhabitants 
lived in almost continual fear of their savaii-e foes. At times the 
danuer was so imminenl that the people had to appeal to tlie 
y-eneral authorities for i)rotection. The following extracts from 
letters writtoi in 177<S will u'ive the reader an idea of the condition 
of aifairs, and of the consternation that must have ))i'evailed at thai 
time. In a letter dated Lancaster, ^lay !(>, 177(S, and directed to 
the Board of War at Vorktown, by the \^ice President of the 
Supreme Executive Council, it is stated that "it a{)pears that 
several persons have been kilUnl by the Indians, very lately, on 
the Bald Ea^-le creek and in Penn's X'alley, and the people on the 
frontiers are in ureat distress for warit o,' arms aiul annnunition." 
(\)1. Potter, in writinu' to ^hij. (Ten. Arm>tronu-, irom " Upjier Fort, 
Penn's \"alley, ^lay 17, 177N," says: "Our savau-e eneniies contiiuie 
to nuirder and scalp and capture. We have two forts in this valley 
and are determined to stand as lonu' a- we are su})porte(l, but if we 
have not men sent to assist us we are too tew to make a stand. The 
circumstances of this country are truly lamentable. I want for 
words to describe it to you. The peo])U' -aw very poor, and bread 
at such a hiuli price; ( Jod knows what the consequences will be." 
Au'ain on the 2.')th of July he writes : " Yesterday, two men of 
Captain Finlev's company, Col. Brodhead's regiment, went (nit from 
this place in the j)lains a little below my fields, and met a party of 
Indians, five in number, whom they engaged. One of the soldiers, 
Thomas Van Doran, was shot dead ; the other, -lacob Shedacre, ran 
about four hundred yards, and was ])ursued by one of the Indians. 
They attacked each other with theii- knives, and one excellent sol- 
dier killed his antauoiiist. His fate was hard, for another Indian 



10 INIHSTHIE^- AM) IN>TrnTI()NS 

came up and ■■^hot liiui." It is said tliat many years alter the (xxur- 
renee, " a rusted liuntiu^' knife was found near tlie scene of the 
encounter." 

"On the Sth of May, ITT-S, the Indians killed one man on the 
Bald Eagle settlement — Simon \'au<ih, a private of Captain BellV 
company. He was killed at Ihe house of Joi as Davis, who lived a 
short distance below Andrew Hoggs, opposite Mileshurg. Robert 
Moore, the express rider, who took the news, stopped at the house of 
Jacob Standiford to feed his horse, where he found Standiford dead, 
who, with his wife and daughter, were killed and scalped, and his 
son, a lad ten or eleven years of age, missing. Standiford was killed 
on what was lately Ejjhraim Keller's farm, three miles west of Pot- 
ter's Fort. Henry Dale, father of Christian Dale, who helped burv 
them, said that Standiford and four of his lamily were killed. Thev 
were buried in a corner of one of the tields on the place, where their 
graves may still be seen." — Linn. 

Many other instances of Indian outrage might l)e rehited, but suf- 
ficient has been told to show what the pioneers of tlie countv had to 
contend with, and endure. 

LOdAX, THE MIXao CHIEF. 

The name of Logan is inseparal)]y connected with tlie early his- 
tory of Centre and adjoining counties, and has been i)erpetuated in 
ap])lying it to a spring in Mifflin county, to a townshij) and a village 
in Clinton county, to a gaj) in Xittany mountain, through which he 
once had a path, and to a stream, a branch of Spring Creek, in 
C'entre county. 

Logan was a son of the celebrated chief, Shikellimy, who dwelt 
for many years at Shamokin, ( now Sunbury,) and was there con- 
verted to the Christian religion by the ^Moravian missionaries. He 
had his son also baptised, giving him the name by which he was 
ever afterward known, in honor of James Logan, at that time Sec- 
retary of the Province of Pennsylvania. After reaching manhood, 
Logan made his abode for a while in Kishacoquillas valley, in what 
is now Mifflin county. The place he selected for his wigwam is a 



OF CICNTKIC COINTY 



11 



few miles above Ijewistown, at what i< still known a< "Tjoo'an's 
Spriiiii." riu' followin<>- account of the u'l'i'iit chii-f was iriven in 
1S4'2, hv William Ilrown, lv<(|., one of the first actnal settlers of the 
Kishaco(|niilas vall(\v, to Hon. K. P. McClay, tluMi member ol' the 
State Senate : 

"The first time I saw that sprina;," said tlu- old gentleman, " my 
Ill-other, James Reed and myself had wandered ont of the valley in 
si'arch of land, and findinir it very uood, we were looking' abont foi' 
springs. Abont a mile from this we started a liear, and separated 
to ,u-et a shot at him. I wa-< travelina' alonu", looking' about on the 
risinu' yround for the l)ear, when I suddeidy came upon the sprino- ; 
and beinu' dry, and more rejoiced to see so fine a sjirinu' than to have 
killed a dozen bears, I set my rifle auainst a bush, and rushed down 
the bank, and laid down to drink. Upon puttinu' my head down, I 
saw refleeted in the water on the o])posite side, the shadow of a tall 
Indian. I sprano' to my rifle, when the Indian gave a yell, whether 
for peaee or war I was not just then sufficiently master of my 
faeulties to determine; but upon. .<eizinti- my rifle and faeinu' 
him, he knocked up the })an of his yun, threw ont the priminu' and 
extended his open palm toward me in token of friendship. After 
])utting down our iruns, we auain met at the s})rin,t>;.and shook hands. 
This was Lotran, the best s])ecimen of humanity I ever met with, 
either white or red. He could s])eak a little Enjjflish, and told me 
there was another white hunter a lirtlc way down the stream, and 
offered to truide me to his camp. There 1 first met your father. 
We remained to^rether in the valley a week, looking- foi- springs and 
selecting lands, and laid the foundation of a friendship which never 
has had the slightest intt'rrnption. 

"We visited Logan at his cami) at Logan's Sjiring, and he and 
your father shot at a mark at a dollar a shot. Logan lost four or 
five rounds and acknowledged himself beaten. AVhen we were about 
to leave him he went into his hut and brought out as many deerskins 
as he had lost dollars, and handed them to Mr. McClay, who refused 
to receive them, alleging that we had been his guests, and did not 
come to rol) him; that the shooting had only been a trial of skill, 



12 INDrsTUIKS AND rXSTITl'l'K )XS 

and tlic bet merely Jiuininal. Li)L>aii drew himself u[) with o-reat 
dignity and said : ' Me bet to make you shoot your best ; me gen- 
tlemen, and me take your dollar if me beat.' fSo he was obliged to 
take the skins or affront our friend, whose niee sense of honor would 
not permit him to receive even a hoi-ii of ])i)wder in return. 

"The next year," said the old gentleman, "1 brought my wife and 
eam])ed under a big walnut tree on the bank of Tea Creek, until 1 
had built a cabin near where the mill now stands. Poor Logan (and 
the big tears conrsed each other down his cheeks) soon after went 
into the Allegheny, and I never saw him again." 

The above was confirmed by a daughter of Mv. Brown, aud the 
following added : 

"Logan su])])orted his family by killing deers, dressing the skins, 
and selling them to the whites. He had sold quite a parcel to a 
tailor, who dealt extensively in buckskin breeches, receiving his pav 
in wheat. When this was taken to the mill it was found so woi'th- 
less that the miller refused to grind it. Logan attempted in vain to 
obtain i-edress from the tailor. Failing in this he took the matter 
before his friend Brown, then a nnigistrate, who heard the case and 
awarded a decision in favor of the chief. A wa'it was given to 
Logan to hand to the constable, with the assurance that that Avould 
bring the money for the skins. But the untutored Indian could not 
comprehend by what magic the little paper would force the tailor, 
against his will, to ])ay the debt. The magistrate took down his 
own commission, with the arms of the king u])on it, and exjjlained 
to him the pi'inciples and operations of civil law. Logau listened 
attentively and exclaimed, ' LaAV good ! Make rogues l)ay.' " 

The following incidents in the life of Logan ar(> gathered from 
various sources : 

"When another and a youngei' daughter of Judge Brown 
(afterward Gen. Potter's wife) was just beginning to walk, lier 
mother happened to express her regret that she could not get a i)aii- 
of shoes to give more firmness to her little stej). Logan stood by 
and said nothing. He soon after asked Mrs. Brown to let the little 
girl go up and spend the day at his cabin. The JH-ai't of the niotlu'r 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 13 

was alarmed at the proposition ; but she knew the (lelicacy of an 
Indian's feelings, — and she knew Loiran, too, — and witli secret 
reluctance, but apparent cheerfulness, she complied with Ids request. 
The liours of tlie day wore very slowly ;i\\ay ; it was nearly night, 
and her little one had not returned. But just as the sun was going 
down the trusty chief was seen coming down the j)ath with his 
charge ; and in a moment more the little one trotted into her 
mother's arms, proudly exhibiting a beautiful pair of moccasins on 
her little feet, — tlie product of Logan's skill. 

"Logan left Kishacoquillas valley in 1771, because of the nundjer 
of whites who had settled in it, and the consequent scarcity of game. 
He no longer could obtain subsistence for himself and family with 
his rifle, and determined to remove to a country where white settlers 
were few and game plenty. He located on the Ohio river, at the 
mouth of Yellow creek, al)out thirty miles above Wheeling, and 
was there joined by his relatives and some Cayugas from Fort 
Augusta, who recognized him as their chief, and over wht)m, and 
other Indians in the vicinity, he obtained a remarkable influence. 
A village was built by his followers, and here Heckewelder, the 
Indian missionary, met and conversed with him in 1772. The 
massacre of his family — an event which probably caused more 
discussion and comment than any other in the history of the Ohio 
Indians — occurred at the commencement of what is known as the 
>^hawnee war in 1773. While Logan was absent with most of the 
men of his tribe, hunting, a party of armed scouts, without provoca- 
tion, attacked the Indians in the village, nuirdered twelve of them, 
men, women and children, and wounded six or eight more. Logan 
returned to find the mangled bodies of the slain and wounded, and 
his cabins in smoking ruins. The heart of the man was l)roken, and 
if it called for revenge, can the call be wondered at? He buried 
his dead, cared for the wounded, and then, gathering around him 
the men of his tribe, joined the Shawnees in the war they were 
commencing on the whites. His revenge was terrible. How many 
victims were sacrificed to it no earthly record shows." 

The vigor with which the war was prosecuted by the whites, 



14 INDUSTRIES AND IXSTITUTIOXS 

under Lord Duinnore, Governor of Virginia, brought the Indians to 
terms, and they made overtures of i)eaec. To secure this. Lord 
Dunmore appointed a council, on the Sciota, in 1774, and invited 
all the hostile chief-^ to he present, Logan among the number. He 
refused to attend the council, but sent by the messenger the following- 
speech, preserved in Jefferson's " Notes on Virginia " : 

" I appeal to any white man to say if ever he entered Logan's 
cabin hungry, and he gave him not meat? If ever he came cold 
and naked, and he clothed him not ? During the course of the last 
long and bloody war Logan remained idle in his cabin, an advocate 
of peace. Such was my love for the whites, that my countrymen 
pointed as they passed, and said, ' Logan is the friend of the white 
man ! ' I had even thought to have lived with you but for the 
injuries of one man, the last spring, who, in cold blood and 
unprovoked, murdered all the relations of Logan, not even sparing 
my women and children. There runs not a drop of my blood in the 
veins of any living creature. This called on me for revenge. I 
have sought it. I have killed many. I have fully glutted my 
vengeance. For my country I rejoice at the beams of peace. But 
do not harbor a thought that mine is the joy of fear. Logan never 
felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his life. Who is 
there to mourn for Logan ? Not one." 

In regard to the circumstances under which Logan's death 
occurred, there are various opinions ; two of which are given below, 
both seeming to be well authenticated : 

"Some time after this war (the Shawnees') Logan, who had 
married a Shawnee woman, removed to near Detroit. A habit of 
intemperance — that curse of the red man — grew upon him, and he 
became quarrelsome, frequently giving way to ungovernable fits 
of passion. He realized his degredation, and to a missionary spoke 
feelingly of the curse which had come upon him — declaring that he 
felt as if he was on the brink of eternal fire. In one of his frenzies 
he struck his wife down, in the presence of her tribe. Fearing he 
had killed her, and knowing the Indian law of retributive justice, 
he fled from the camj). While on his flight he met, according to 



OF CKNTKK COINTY. 



(^ 



tradition, his wife's nejihew and sonic otlier Indians, and thinkinjL^ 
that this relative was about to avenge the inur(U>i-, lie ))j'epared to 
defend himself, declaring- he would kill all who ojtjxised him. The 
nephew, in self-defense, shot him dead as he was dismountiiiii; i'rom 
his horse." 

It is recorded in Howe's " Ohio Collections," that " he was mur- 
dered between Detroit and his own home, in October, IT"^!. He was 
sitting at the time, with his blanket over his head, before a camp 
tire, his elbows resting ui)on his knees, when an Indian, who had 
taken some offense, stole behind him and buried his tomahawk in 
his brains." He is described as a man who, though savage as he 
was, possessed some of the noblest traits of humanity, and who, 
unquestionably, was endowed with natural abilities of the highest 
order. He was several inches over six feet high ; straight as an 
arrow ; lithe, athletic and symmetrical in frame ; fii-m, resolute and 
commanding in features. His Indian name, it is said, was 
Tah-gah-jute, signifying " short dress." 

BALD EAGLE. 

Concerning this chief, very little authentic information can be 
obtained. Much of his history that has been given to the world is 
disconnected and traditionary. The following, however, written by 
ex-Governor Packer a short time before his death, may be i-elied 
upon as being substantially correct: 

" Previous to the treaty of Fort Stanwix, l)y which the title to the 
Indian lands on the south and west side of the West Branch was 
extinguished, endiracing Bald Eagle valley, a celebrated warrior 
of one of the tribes of the Six Nations, named ' Bald Eagle,' had 
his wigwam and his home on the banks of the stream of that name, 
near where ]\Iilesburg stands now, in Centre county, in the midst 
of an Indian village, which was called the ' Bald Eagle's Nest.' He 
was a noted chieftain, known over the whole country wherever the 
tribes of the Six Nations made their ap])eai-ance, and took an active 
and bloody part in the Indian warfare against the white settlers 
along the valley of the West Branch during our Revolutionary 



IH INDUSTRIES AND IXSTITUTTONS 

stniggle. Bold and fearless as the nol^le l^rd whose name he 
assumed, he, with his band of savage followers, swoojjed down upon 
the defenseless inhabitants and spared neither age nor sex. He led 
the party of savages in 1778 that murdered James Brady, son 
of Captain John Brady, and younger brother of the brave Sam 
Brady of the Rangers, in a harvest field along with his fellow- 
laborers, a short distance below the present site of the city of 
Willianisport. Wounded with a spear, tomahawked and scalped, 
young Brady still lived long enough to describe the horrible scene 
with great minuteness. He said the Indians were of the Seneca 
tribe, and were led by Bald Eagle. ' Vengeance not loud, but 
deep,' says the historian, ' was breathed against Bald Eagle, but he 
laughed it to scorn till the fatal day at Brady's Bend on the 
Allegheny.' Hazzard, in his ' Register of Pennsylvania,' Vol. IX, 
page 237, gives the following account of the death of the celebrated 
,chief: 'Several years after the death of James Brady, a large party 
of Senecas were marching along the Allegheny river, on their way 
to the Bald Eagle's Nest. Capt. Sara Brady recognized the Bald 
Eagle that day and fired at him. When the battle was over, he 
searched for his body and found it. The ball had pierced his heart, 
and the blood of the young Captain at Loyalsock was fatally 
avenged by the hands of his brother on the banks of the 
Allegheny.' " 

There is nothing on record, and not even a tradition, to })rove 
that Bald Eagle was ever anything but an enemy to the whites ; yet 
they have honored him and perpetuated his name by conferring it 
upon an extensive valley, a beautiful stream and a grand range 
of mountains, 

ORGANIZATION OF COUNTY. 

The Act of Asssembly approved February 13, 1800, erecting the 
county of Centre from parts of Mifflin, Northumberland, Lycoming 
and Huntingdon counties, defines the boundaries of the new county 
as folloAvs : " Beginning opposite the mouth of Quinn's Run, on the 
West Branch of the Susquehanna ; thence a straight line to the 



Ol' CENTRE COrNTY. 17 

moutli of Fishing creek, wliere it empties into the B-aU] Eagle 
creek; thence to the north-east corner of Miles (lute Haines) 
township, including Nittany valley ; thence by the north-eastern 
ly)undaries of the said townshij) to the suniniit of Pussy's mountain ; 
thence by the summit of said mountain, by the lines of Haines 
township in Northumberland county. Potter township in Mifflin 
county and Franklin township in Huntingdon county, t) a point 
three miles south-west of the line between Mifflin and Huntingdon 
counties ; thence by a direct line, to the head of the south-west 
branch of the Bald Eagle creek ; thence a direct line to the 
head waters of Moshannon ; thence down the same to Susque- 
hanna, and down the Rus(|uehanna to the place of beginning." 

Section Dth of said Act provides, " That Andrew Gregg, William 
Swauzy and Robert B(^ggs, of Bald Eagle, be, and they are hereby 
appointed, trustees for the county aforesaid, with full authority for 
them, or the survivors or survivor of them, to purchase or take and 
receive by grant, bargain or otherwise, a3 well all such assurances 
for the payment of money and grants of land, as hath been 
stipulated for by James Dunlop and James Harris, by their bond to 
the Governor of this Commonwealth, as also any monies, bonds or 
other proparty that may hereafter h? offered to them, in trust to sell 
and convey, or otherwise dispose of the same to the best advantage ; 
and to vest one moiety of the neat proceeds thereof in some ])roductive 
fund for the support of an academy or public school in tlie said 
county ; and with the other moiety of the neat proceeds of the land 
or lots aforesaid, and with other monies duly assessed, levied and 
collected, -within the said Centre county for that purpose, which it is 
hereby declared shall be lawful for the commissioners thereof to do, 
or cause to be done, to build and erect a court house, jirison and 
other buildings for the safe keeping of the public records of the 
county, on such part of the public square laid out in the said town 
of Bellefonte as to them shall api)ear most suitable." 

In order to secure the location of the county seat at Bellefonte, 
the proprietors, Messrs. Dunlop and Harris, offered a liberal 
donation of land in, and adjoining the town. Their proposition being 



18 IXDUSTKIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

accepted, the following conveyance was delivered to the trustees : 

" Tliix Indenture, made the twenty-sixth day of June, in the year 
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred, between James Dunlop, 
of the town of Bellefonte in Centre county and State of Pennsyl- 
vania, and Jane his wife, and James Harris, of the same ])lace, and 
Nancy his wife, of the one part, and Andrew Gregg, William 
Swanzy and Robert Boggs, trustees apppointed for the county of 
Centre aforesaid, of the other part. Whereas, by a patent bearing 
date the 7th day of February, 1794, and enrolled in the rolls office 
in Patent book No. 20, page 242, there was granted unto Wm. 
Lamb a certain tract of land called ' Innocence,' who with Susanna 
his wife, by a deed dated the third day of November, 1797, granted 
and confirmed the same inter alia unto John Dunlop, and John 
Dunlop by his deed dated the seventh day of November, 1797, and 
duly recorded in book ' D,' page 236, in the office for recording 
deeds in the county of Mifflin, granted and confirmed unto the 
abovenamed James Dunlop and James Harris, as tenants in 
common, and not as joint tenants, the following described piece or 
parcel of land, being a part of the aforementioned tract called 
' Innocence,' viz : Beginning at a post on the bank of Spring creek, 
thence up the same south, forty-seven degrees east, thirty-six 
perches; south, eighteen degrees east, twenty-seven perches; south, 
eleven degrees west, twenty pei-ches; and south, six perches to a 
spruce tree ; thence by John Dunlop's land, south, twenty-five 
degrees east, sixty-nine perches to a stone heap on the line of land 
late the property of Col. Hartley, by the same, north, seventy-three 
degrees east, one hundred and seventeen perches to a marked white 
oak, and north, three degrees east, ninety-eight perches to a white 
oak, corner of one Simpson's land, by the same, north, twenty-two 
degrees and a half west, fifty -five perches to a stone heap ; thence by 
James Dunlop's land, south, five degrees west, one hundred and 
fifty-one perches to place of beginning, containing one hundred and 
twenty-five acres and one hundred and thirty-six perches and the 
allowances of six per cent, for roads, &c., on part whereof has been 
laid out the town of Bellefonte. Now this indenture witnesseth that 



OF CENTIIE COrNTY. 19 

the i<airl James Duiilop and Jane h\< wife, and James Harris and 
Nancy his wife, for and in oinideration of the site of justice heinu' 
fixed at Jiellefonte aforesaid, as well a-^ for other g()()d causes and 
considerations, have j^ranted, released and confirmed, and hy these 
presents do ^rant, release and confirm unto the said Andrew (xregg-, 
William Swanzy and Rohert Boggs, trustees for Centre county (for 
the use and purjiose expressed in the ninth section of the Act 
entitled * An Act for erecting parts of the counties of Mfflin, 
Northumberland, Lycoming and Huntingdon into a seperate county ) 
one full moiety or half part of so much of the aforedescribed one 
hundred and twenty-five acres and one hundred and thirty-six 
perches as is not now laid out in the town lots of the aforesaid town 
of Bellefonte, and also one full moiety of the unsold lots of the said 
town, as well ax one full moiety of the purchase money of the lots 
already sold, and all the public square laid out in said town, saving, 
reserving and excepting only the lots known by the nund^ers, eight, 
nine, thirty-one, thirty-two, thirty-three, forty-three and one hundred 
and four, in the general plan or plot of the said town of Bellefonte, 
to have and to hold the aforegranted premises to them, the afore- 
mentioned Andrew Gregg, William Swanzy and Robert Boggs, their 
successor or successors, or their assigns (for the use and trusts in the 
aforecited Act) forever. In witness whereof the parties to these 
presents have interchangeably set their hands and affixed their 
seals, the day and year first aforewritten. 

Sealed and delivered in pres- "i James Dunlop. [/>. *S'.] 
ence of I Jane Dunlop. [L. «S'.] 

Thomah McCammon, | James Harris. [L.S.'] 
HiTciH Gallagher. ) Nancy Harris. [L. .S'.] 

At a meeting of the trustees held at Bellefonte on July 81st, 
1800, " It was agreed that it would be injurious to the interests 
of the inhabitants to erect the prison in the public square, and that 
application should be made to the Legislature to vest the trustees 
with discretionary power to erect the prison in any other part of the 
town. On the first of Septend:)er they met again, articled with 



20 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITTTTIONS 

Colonel Duiilop and Mr. Harris for payment of" one half of the 
proceeds of lots to be sold, and contracted with Hudson Williams to 
build the prison on such lot as should be designated. It was to be 
thirty feet long and twenty-five wide in the clear. Among other 
specifications : * There shall be an apartment in the cellar for a 
dungeon ; said dungeon shall be twelve feet by nine in the clear, 
covered above with hewed logs laid close together under the j^lank 
of the floor, and a proper trap door to let into the dungeon.' The 
contract price for the jail was one thousand one hundred and sixty- 
two dollars. 

" The first court held in Bellcfonte was the Quarter Sessions 
of Novend^er, 1800, before Associate Judges James Potter and John 
Barber, when, upon motion of Jonathan Walker, Esq., the following 
attorneys were qualified : Jonathan AValker, Charles Huston, Elias 
W. Hale, Jonathan Henderson, Robert Allison, Robert F. Stewart, 
William A. Patterson, John Miles, David Irvine, W. W. Laird and 
John W. Hunter." — Linn. 

The first grand jurors were : William Swanzy, James Harris, 
Philip Benner, Richard Malone, John Ball, David Barr, William 
Kerr, Michael Bolinger, James Whitehill, William Irvine, John 
Irvin, William Eyerly, James Newall, Samuel Duidop, Alexander 
Reed, John Patton, John M. Bench, James Reynolds, Michael 
Weaver and Felix Chrisman. 

The first President Judge of the district of which Centre formed a 
part was James Riddle. The first Associate Judges of the county 
were James Potter and John Barber. The first Deputy Attorney 
General was Thomas Burnside. The first Prothonotary was Richard 
Miles. The first Register and Recorder Avas Richard Miles. The 
first Sherift" was James Duncan. All were commissioned in October, 
1800, excei)t the President Judge and Deputy Attorney General. 

ORGANIZATION OF TOWNSHIPS, &c. 

The county is located in the geographical centre of the State — 
hence its name. It is bounded on the north by Clinton, on the east 
by Union and Miifiin, on the south by Huntingdon and Blair, and 



oi' CKNTi;]': (oiN "lY. '2\ 

Oil llu' wcsr l)v ( 'Icarticld. If is ;il)i)Ut tH'ty-ciiiht miles luiit;- .-nd 
thirtv-six wide, and lias an area of (iiic thousand three hundi'ed a!id 
seventy s(|iiare mile-;, makinu six hunch'ed aiul seventv-eiuht 
thousand and luur luiiidretl ac-res of hind. It was orijiiually divided 
into the followinu' ei^lit townships : Upper Bald Eaii'le, Lower Baid 
Eaule, Centn', Haines, Mihs, Patton, Potter and \\'arrioi' Mark. 
In -lanuai'v, I'SOl, the name of I'])per Bald Eaa'le was chanued to 
Sprinu' townshi]), and Feriiuson erected. In l^(()2 Warrior ]\!ark 
was chaniicd to Half Moon. In .lanuarv, 1<S1(), Howard and 
Walker townshi})s were formed out of Centre townsliij) and lie 
latter name abolished. Howard was i-alled after Howard, t'le 
philanthropist, and Walker after Judge Walker. In A])ril, ISI I, 
Rusli and -Jenner were formed out of tialf Moon, the formei- ealle 1 
after Dr. Benjamin Kush and tht' latter after Dr. Jenner. Ii 
.Vuuust of the same year Spring- townshi]) was divided into Allen 
and Covinuton, tlie former named in honor of ( aptain W. W. 
Alien, ()+' ihe slooj) Aruus, and the latter in honor of Le )nar(l 
( "oving'ton. w!io fell at Willianishiiru-. In Jannarv, IS] ">, the name 
.K'nner was chanaed back to ?Iaif ]Mooii, and in A])i'il of the same 
year Allen was changed to Boggs, after tlu- late l\obei-t Boggs, and 
Covington hack to Spi'ing. In August, ](~il7, Ijald lOagle was 
divided and \\v part adjoining Walkei- called Lamai-. after Major 
Lamar, who fell at Paoli. On the 27tli of Mai-ch, LSI!), a portion 
of Bald P^agle township was annexed to Lycoming (ounty. In 
.\])ril, same veai', Logan appears among tlu' lis: of townships, but 
no record of its formation can be found. On Xoyember 2H, LS'Jii, 
(iregg township was formed and named aftei- Hon. Andrew Oregg. 
On April 27, IH.')."), Harris was formed out of Potter, Ferguson and 
Spring and called aifer the late James Harris. Huston was so 
called in honor of Judge Huston, and first ap]»ears as a township in 
the list, April, 1S;>9. By the fornuition of Clinton county, in LS.'U), 
Centre was deju-ived of three townships, viz., liald EagU', l^amai- 
an.d Logan. January -'U, 1S4(), Snow Shoe was formed out 
of Boggs. In August, ^Mai'ion out of ^^'alker. Li 1 .S4r) Penn first 
a|)peai's among the list of townships. Tlic same ycai' Liberty was 



Tl INDrSTKIlCS AM) INSTITr IIOXS 

erected. Taylor war* Ibrnied Jaiuiary 27, 1<S47, out of Half Moon, 
Worth January 27, 1848, out of Taylor, and Union Xovend)er 25, 
1850, out of Boags. J5enner ,<eenis to have been formed between 
1850 and 1856, but no record can be found. Burnside was formed 
in April, 1857, and called after Judge Burnside, and C'urtin 
November 25, 1857, and derivetl its name from the Curtin family. 
C'ollege township was formed in April, 1875, and so called because 
of the existence of the State College within its limits. 

The county has now, in all, twenty-three to\vushi])s, as follows : 
Boggs, Burnside, Benner, College, (Airtiu, Ferguson, Gregg, Harris, 
Haines, Ho^yard, Half Moon, Huston, Lil)erty, Marion, Miles, 
Patton, Rush, Spring, Snow Shoe, Tayloi-, Fnion, ^yalkel• and 
Worth. There are five boroughs: Bellefonte, Howard, Milesburg, 
T^hilipsburg and ITnionville. 

The present county officers are: I>evi W. Munson, Sheriff; Aaron 
Williams, Prothonotary ; Wm. A. Tobias, Recorder; Wm. K. 
Burchfield, Register; Daniel A. Musser, Treasurer; Josej)h Adams, 
Coroner; Jackson L. Spangler, District- Attorney ; Henry A. 
Mingle, Andrew Gregg and J. X. Hall, Commissioners; Henry 
Meyer, Superintendent; Joseph Devling, Surveyor; John Rishei 
and Henry Keller, Jury Conunissioners ; and A. J. (Triest, AVm. 
McFarlane and Joseph Gilliland, Auditors. 

Members of Assembly are Wm. K. Alexander and James F. 
Weaver. President Jvulge of the district of which Centi-e is jjart, 
Charles A. Mayer; Additional Law Judge, -J. H. Orvis ; Associate 
.Judges, John Divins and Samuel Frank. 

The post-offices of the county are forty-three in number: Aarons- 
burg, Bellefonte, Blanchard, Boalsburg, Buffalo Run, Centre^ 
Hall, Centre Hill, Centre Mills, Fillmore, Fleming, Half Moon, 
Houserville, Howard, Hublersburg, Julian Furnace, Lemont, 
Linden Hall, Loveville, Madisonburg, Martha Furnace, Moshannon, 
Mile4)urg, Millheim, Mountain Eagle, Nittany, Penn Hall, Philips- 
burg, Pine (xlen. Pine (irove Mills, Pleasant Gap, Port Matilda, 
Potter's Mills, Rebersburg, Rock Spring, Roland, Sandy Ridge, 
Snow Shoe, Spring Mills, State College, Walker, Wo!i"s S'Ktre, 
Woodward and Zion. 



(U' cicNiiii' corN'rY- 



liELLKFffXTK. 



BfUcfuiitc was laid oul in IT!*."), by Janics Diinlo]) and .lames 
Harris, on what was known as ihc "(Jriffeth (Jihhon [ract." \vvx 
few lots wi'i'c sold, however, till after tlie org'anization oT the eonnlv 
and location of the pnhlic hnildiniis within the limits of the town. 
Mile.-lturi:- eontt'nded wi;h l>ellefonte for the county seat, hut the 
tMiter|irise and liberality of Messi-s. Dunlop and- Harris prevailed in 
favor of the lattei'. Ainona' the first purchasers of lots were : 
.lonathan Walkei', Thomas FlastiuLis, floseph Turner, William 
Petriken, Hudson Williams, Huiih (Jallauher, William Kerr, 
tneuroj, 11. T. Stewart, Elijah Moore, John Ilhoatls, Iloland 
Curtin, Philip Benuer, -James Ferijuson, Williaju Riddle, Alex. 
Divan, (Ic'orge McKee, Henjamin Patton, .lohn Irvin, Charles 
C'adwallader, Jesse ("ookson, Thomas Burnside, ,Iohn Spencer, Wm. 
Alexander, I'atriek ( ambridji'e, Isaac Williams, -[ames Johnston, 
Wm. Allison, Chas. Huston, ,I()hn Wilson, William Lamb, John 
Hall and Francis (irimes. The ])rices paid, ranged from twenty-five 
to out' hundred and thirty-seven dollars. 

The beautiful spring whence the town derived its name {hcUe — 
beautiful, fo)ife — fountain i was the attraction that induced Dunlo]) 
and Harris to select that particular location as the site of a 
town; and in order to secure to the ])eople the use of its water, Mr 
Harris ( who had previously ])urchased the ])roperty in his own 
name) executed the following deed to the town council : 

" Knoir all men by these })resents, that we, James Harris, of 
Spring townshi]) in ('entre county and State of Pennsylvania, and 
Nancy his wife, for, and on account of, the good will they entertain 
toward the borough of Bellefonte and its inhabitants, have given, 
granted, enfeofi(?d and confirmed, and by their presents do give, 
grant, enfeoff and confirm unto the town council of Bellefonte, for 
the use of the inhabitants of said borough, the right and privilege 
of raising and conveving so much of the water of the " big spring" 
as can, by machinery ])laced at, or near the head of said spring, be 
made to ])ass through a pipe of three inches diameter, the bore 'not 



24 IXDrsTHiKS AND IXSTITl'TIONS 

to he iiscil towai'd tlic workiiiL!: of any strain enyinc , suhjct't, 
however, to the restrictions and I'eservations mentioned and con- 
tained in the deed of James Smith and Eliza his wife to this 
liTantor, dated December first, 1807, and entered in the (tffice for 
recordinu' of deeds, in and for Centre county aforesaid, on the 12tli 
day of December, 1<S!)7, in Bool-c C. paij^e sixty-six, etc. To have 
and to liold the right and privileges hereby granted, or meant or 
intended to be subject to the reservations and restrictions afore- 
mentioned, to them, the town council of Rellefonte and their 
successors in office, for the use. and benefit of the inhabitants 
thereof forever. In witness whereof the said grantors have hereunto 
set their hands and seals, this 24th day of July in the year of our 
Ijoi'd one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three. 

Sealed and delivered in pres- | 

ence of ( Jame.s Hakkis, ( L. >S' ) 

Benj. Williams, Nancy Harris. (L.S) 

James D. Harris. J 

The " restrictions and reservations " alluded to in the ])recee(ling 
dvvi] are as follows: "James Smith aforesaid doth reserve to 
hiniself, that he, the said James Smith, his heirs and as-igns, shall 
and may at any time, and at all times hereafter, draw and convey 
to his own lands and houses so much of the water of tiie ' big 
sjn-ing ' aforesaid as will issue through a hole or i)i])e of two inches 
diameter, under a head of eighteen inches, which head lie, the said 
James Smith, shall and liave the right of effecting, by damming 
one-half the water of said spring at its source to such height, unless 
the said James Harris, his heirs and assigns, shall have erected 
such dams ; then, and in that case, the said Smith, hi>' heirs and 
assigns, shall and may draw the (luantity of water aforesaid from 
such dam, by fixing therein a i)ipe of two inches diameter in the 
bore, at a distance not greater than eighteen inches below the 
surface of the water in said dam ; and further, that the said James 
Smith shall and may at all times when to him it shall seem meet, 
erect and support a dam across the water issuing from the ' big 
spriiig' aforesaid, on liis own land, for the purpose of drawing the 



(II' cicxri!!; (orxTY. 'Jo 

water thereof into lii< daiii : jtrovided he shall not thcrehv dam or 
raise the waler lo a lircaier lieiuht than it is at this time." 

Thoiiiili the growth of IlelK'foiitc ha- heen slow as coinpai-ed with 
maiiv other towns, its prouress is l)a<ed upon a suh.-tanlial ;uid 
|H'rnianent foundation. Its ]»eo|)le liave never heen infhieneed I)a- 
s|iasn)odic im[)ulse-, to huild hc'vond tlie re((uirenients of a 
mocU'rately inereasinu- jjopulation. A< a conseciuenee, there are 
very few vacant houses in the ])lar(', whiU' in nei^ihUoriny; towns 
"To Let" appears coiispicuousiv on every street. .Vnotiier most 
!iratilVinj:' result of the (arcful and judicious business ()})erations 
of its eiti/ens, is the scarcity of failures, sheriff's sales heiuir the rare 
exceptions, nttt the rule, as is the east' with towns of a " uuishi-oom" 
urowth. 

The town was incorpoi-atetl as a l>oroui:h in Mai'ch, 1(S()(>, "to 
|)(>ssess the same powers and privileai's as the l)oroui;h of Williams- 
port, in the countv of Lvcomin<:-." In March, 1.S14, another act 
of incori)oration was passed, ri'pealiuLi- the formei' one. It included 
moi-e territory than the first. Its population in IMO was two 
hundred and thn-e ; in l-SJO, four hundivd and thirtv-three ; in 
l'S;;o, six hundred and ninety-nine; in l<S4i*, one thousand and 
tliirtv-two. ( )n the last date it contained one hundred and thirty 
dweiliniis, four churches — Presbyterian, Methodist, I'nited l^rethren 
and ('atholi( — ;ui academy, eitrht stores, one fullinu' mill, one woolen 
factory, two tanneries and one priiitiuir office. 

Bellefoiite of to-dav numbers amonu' its business houses many 
tiiat woidd be a (avdit to a town of nuich ureat(>r pi-etensions, and in 
the substantial character and eh^irjince of its buildinu's it will 
compare favorably with any town of its .size in the State. It has 
.several tine chui-ches, a neat and tastefully constructed ])ublic 
school buildinjj:, and many beautiful private residences. All things 
considered, the town is one of the most beautiful and attractive in 
the State. No description can do justice to its charms. It is 
situated on a western slope, the surface of which is varied by 
elevations and (le])ressions, and it may be said of it a< of ancicMit 
Rome, that it "stands up((!i seven liilN." The pictui'es(|ueness of its 



2(! rNi)USTKri-:s and ixstitt'tioxs 

site aiifl siirr()UiKlino>i, its iiiaiiy heautiful public and {3rivate 
hiiildiiitrs, the neat and clean condition of its shaded streets, and its 
general healthi'ulness, all conspire to make it a most desirable ]jlace 
of residence, especially durintr the summer. No death-breedinjr 
cess-])ools exist in its vicinity; no inalerial damps infect its 
atmosphere. 

liut the pride and ^locy of Bcllefonte is the beautiful fountain 
whence it derives its name. This sprinj^ discharges unceasingly 
several thousand gallons of water j^er minute. Of this vast 
(piantity, five hundred gallons a minute during the day are forced 
by a steam pump to a height of over one hundred and ninety feet 
and discharged intt) a reservoir, from which the town draws its 
su])j)ly. At night the steam pump is not used, but the water i§ then 
forced into the reservoir by power derived from the spring itself 
After supplying the town with water sufficient for all emergencies, 
there is enough waste to supply a town many times larger than 
Bellefonte. This water is remarkably clear and cold, but, as it 
issues from among limestone ledges, is of course somewhat imprea- 
nated with calcareous substance. 

The latitude of Bellefonte is 4()°50' north, and the longitude 
40' west of Washington. The rainfall averages fortv inches per 
year. The elevation above tide is seven hundred and thirtv- 
seven feet. Population in IMJO two thousand and fiftv-five. 

Bellefonte and vicinity has probably })r()duced more distinguished 
men than any other section of the State of like area. In addition 
to those already mentioned, we have the names of Hon. Charles 
Huston, Judge of the Supreme Court ; Judge Jonathan Walker 
and his son, Hon. Robert J. Walker ; Judges Thomas and James 
Burnside, father and son — the former Judge of the Supreme C'ourt. 
and William W. Potter, grandson of Gen. Potter; John Blanchai-d 
and Bond Valentine, prominent members of the bar ; Roland 
Curtin, father of ex-Governor Curtin ; Hon. James T. Hale, and 
still later. Judge Linn, Hon. H. N. McAllister, Hon. John 
Mitchell, ex-Governor A. G. Curtin, Gen. Irvin Gregg, of the 
regular army, a distinguished cavalry officer during the Rebellion ; 



OK CKSPKIC CDINTY. ^1 

(Icn. -Jaim-s A. Beaver, IIuii. .). U. Orvis, and (»tii(M-s (l.'serviiijr 
of mention, hut tlie limits of llii- sketch will not allow il. (Governors 
Hioler and Packer had h );h l)e-n citizens of the county; the former 
K'anied the ])rintin,ir business with his brother at liellefonte between 
the years l.SoO and 1S;^S. The latter was born in Howard townshi]), 
April 2, 1<S()7 ; lie was nUn a printer and servv-d in that ca|)acity in 
the office of tiie Patriot. 

There are still ])reserved amoiiij; the dt'scendants of the first 
settlers of the county a nund)er of valualde Revolutionary relics; 
one of the most interestinijj is in the hands of W. W. Potter, Esq., 
of Bellefonte, ,<,n-eat-aTandson of (jJen. Potter. It is a battle flag 
captured from the Royal (ii-enadiers on the field of Monmouth by 
the late Judge Wm. Wilson, of Northumberland county, who was 
grandfather (maternal) of Mr. Potter, its i)resent possessoi'. This 
flag is of corded silk, of a rich yellow color. " The end)lem at the 
upi)er right hand corner is composed of the cross of St. (leorge, to 
denote P]ngland, and 8t. Andrew's cross in the form of X, to denote 
Scotland. The flag has the appearance of having been wrenched 
from the staff, and has a few blood stains on the device; otherwise, 
it looks as bright and new as if it luid just come from the gentle 
fingers that made it, although a century has rolled away since its 
golden folds drooped in the sultry air of that .[une day l>attle." 

The following are the names of persons engaged in mercantile and 
other business in Bellefonte at the present time: J. R. tt C- T. 
Alexander, coal and lime; J. C. Erackbill, furniture; S. A. Brew- 
ed Son, groceries; Brockerhoff' Bros., flour and feed ; F. P. Blair, 
jewelrv ; A. J. Cruse, tobacco, cigars, itc. ; Mrs. N. K. Dare, 
millinery; Joseph R. Lowe, furniture; F. 1*. (jreen, drugs; Isaac 
Guggenheimer, drv goods and ready ma<le clothing; E. Graham & 
Son, boots and shcjes ; Har})er Bros., general merchandise ; Hoffer 
ct Kline, general merchandise; H. O. Hofier, tobacco, etc.; T. A. 
Hicks tt Bro., hardware; James Harris tS: Co., hardware ; Joseph 
Bros, tt Co., dry goods, notions, c*(:c. ; A. Ka'ith, bakery ; John I). 
Leib, hnnber and grain; Lyons t'v: Co., dry goods; S. it A. Loeb, 
drv goods and groceries; Montgomery it Co., clotliing ; L. M. 



'2^ IXDrsTIUKS AM) INSTITl-rioXs 

McBi'ide, niilliiierv ; -J. Xewiiiaii, ,Ii-., rcadv iiia<U' ciothinu'; Otto 
<S[ Co, tobacco and ciuui's; Jolm Powcvs, lioots and sliocf; ; F. ( '. 
Richard^;, jewelry; L. B. Rankin, dnius ; M. Runkle, o-roeeries; 
Shortlidu'e A: Co., lime, coal, yrain, A:c. ; Sechler I't Co., groceries ; 
Abraai Sussiuan, kather ; C.Strickland, iiroceries ; H. Y. Stitzer, 
hooks and stationery; S. T. Shugert, drng-s ; W. S. Twitinire, 
tinware and stoves; Valentines it (^o., tieneral merchandise; W. S. 
Wolf t'V: Co., tinware and stoves; I). IN!. Wauner, drv goods and 
groceries; James Welch, hooks and stationci'y ; Wilson t*c McFar- 
lane, hardware; J. Zeller A: Son, drugs. 

There are five hotels in liellefonte: tlie Biisli House, F. 1). 
McCollum proprietor; the Brockerhoft" House, K. 1). Cuniinings 
])ropriet()r ; the Butts House, H Brown pi'o))rietor ; the Cummings 
House, Isaac Miller proprietor; the (iarnian House, Daniel (iarman 
])roprietor. There are two carriage shoj)s, S. A. McQuiston's and 
John Bartrutf's; three blacksmith shops, John iMallory's, Benjamin 
Shrock's and Jacob Siebert's ; four liveries, Spangler t'c Foster's, 
Isaac Lose's, D. (larmau's and J. ]Mc(\)lloch's ; two fioui-ing mills, 
Duncan, Hale & Co.'s and T. B. Keynolds'; three lianks, (mentioned 
elsewhere); two newspa])ers, the D/^jno'-ntfic Wufchnvin, P. (4ray 
Meek editor and proprietor, and the Br/lefonfr h'cpiihnciui, Edwai-d 
T. Tuten editor and ])i'oprietor ; a paper mill. Win. H. (xuie 
proprietor; ])laning mill, ^[cClellan ».\: Speer's ; two machine shops, 
McClellan & Speer's and Wm. Duncan t'fe Co.'s; two foundries, 
George Bayard's and Duncan A: Co.'s; three butchers, E. Tvson, 
Wm. Lyon and Joseph Steinkischner ; two photogra})hers, J. W. 
Moore and C. A. Glenn. A ])ublic market is held every Tueschiy 
and Saturday morning. 

The government of the borough of Bellefonte is vested in a 
Burgess and nine Councilmen, three from each of tlie three wards. 
The present Burgess i^ S. S. Lyon, Fs(|. The members of Council 
ai-e : Wm. Shortlidge, Jonathan Hai'per, E. C. Humes, David Z. 
Klin;', Daniel Garman, Wm. Montg;)mery, Daniel Khoads, Henry 
Bartlev and T. Iv. Uevnolds. The borough polict'inen art': Richard 
Morgan, chief, Josliua I'^)lk and J. u. rhilli])pi. Th"re i-^ also a 



oi- ci'.N I'Ki': (orsrv. 21> 

special iiiLi'ht wah'liinaii ciiiplovfil h-.- tlir hii.-incss men. 

A tittiiiu' coiiclusidii 1(1 a sketch of licllcfoiitc is ll;c rollowiiiji' 
hi-icf liistorv III' the I)iiiihi|) and Harris liiiiiilics — tlic (k'scciidaiits 
of tlic woriliv t'oiiiidciv- of the town, pi'eparcd l)\' dames I^. Soin. 
niervilU', Kscp : 

"Col. .lames Diinlop, of Shippenshurti-, ( 'iimhei'laiid coiintv, mar- 
ried Jane Hougs, and had the follouiiii^' children : The >ons were 
Andrew, John, James and Joseph ; tlu' daiii^iiters wei'c Ann, Jane. 
Elizaheth, Dehorah, Kebecca and Mary. He died in IJellefonte, in 
the year 1<S21, in the ninety-fourth year of his aye. 

Andrew married Sarali Bella Chandu'rs, of Clnunhei'shuru, an<l ^ 
had five children: ( atharini', Josephine, ( 'harlotte, Hadassah and 
James. ( James was a celebrated lawyer, settled in PittsburL; and 
anthor of Dunlop's Diyest. ) 

John settled in Bellefonte and was laru'cly ennau'cd in the ii-on 
business. He owned Logan furnace — now tlie property of N'alen- 
tines & Co. — also Washington furnace, in Clinton conntv. He 
married Elizabeth Findley, of Fraid^lin county, and had f)ur 
children : Jane, Elliza, Catharine and Deborah. Jane married 
W'm. Stewart, and lived in Cinciimati. Eliza died young. Catharine 
is still living in Bellefonte. Deborah married Hon. S. T. Shugert, 
of Bellefonte. His death resulted from injuries received in an 
ore bank. 

Jame^ .studied law and went to Natchez, Miss., and engaged in 
cotton raising. 

Joseph died unmarried. 

Ann married James Harris, of Bellefonte. 

Jane married Rev. William Paxton, of Cumberland count\. A 
grandson of their's is now living in New York city — Rev. William 
Paxton, D.I). 

Elizabeth married James Smith, who built the tii-st mill in 
Bellefonte. Married a second time to Michael I. Simpson, of whom 
one daughter is now living in Washington city. 

Deborah married James Johnston, of Franklin county, who 
settled at the mouth of Wallace Run, in liald Eaule vallev. Tliev 



80 rxDrsTiiiKs and rNsTrn tions 

had i\\v cliildveu, of wliom there is hut one living, a (huiuhtti-, in 
Bellefonte. 

Rebecca married Robert McC'hmahau of Franklin county, who 
ali^o settled on Wallace Run. They had five children, of whom 
none are now living. Married a second time to Robert Steel, leaving 
one daughter, now living in Bellefonte. 

Marv married Robert T. Stewart, lawyer of Bellefonte, also iron 
master, being connected with the firm afterwards known as Lyon, 
Shorb tt Co. Left six children, of whom there are two daughters 
residing in Bellefonte. 

dames Harris, son oi' John Harris, i who had emigrated irum 
Donegal, Ireland, about the year 1752 and settled in Paxton town- 
ship, Lancaster county, and afterwards laid out and resided in 
Mifilintown, Juniata county) was born on the Swatara, in Lancaster 
(now Dauphin ' county, in the year 17-")(i. He married, June 15, 
1790, Ann Duulop, daughter of Col. James Dunlop, of Shippens- 
burg, Cumberland county. They had nine children: Jane John. 
Eliza (irizzel, James Dunlop, William, Josei)h, Anna, Andrew and 
Robert Boggs. Of tbese, Anna and Robert Boggs died in infancy. 

Jane married Rev. James Linn, pastor of the Presbyterian 
church, Bellefonte, and had six children : John, Anna, James H., 
Claudius B., Samuel and Jane Eliza. 

Dr. John (the only one now living; was married twice and is now 
living in Venice, Italy, as U. S. Consul, with his wife, who was a 
Miss Orbison, of Huntingdon, Pa. No children. 

Eliza (xrizzel was married to Dr. Daniel Dobbins, of Bellefonte. 
They had ten children, one of whom is now living and ])racticing 
medicine in Bellefonte — Dr. James H. Dobbins. 

James Dunlop married Mary Ann Miller. They had six children, 
four of whom are now living in Bellefonte. He was a civil engineer, 
and in the exercise of his profession held an important position in 
develo{)ing the resources of the State by the canal system. He died 
in the vear 1842 in the {)rime of life. 

William was also a civil engineer. He had charge of the Bald 
Eagle canal, and located the B. tV'. S. S. R. R., continuing as their 



OF (KNTK'K (orNlY. .'U 

i-iiiriiK'fV until his dcjith in 1 >>()."). Childrrn sni-vivc liiiii and arc now 
livini:- in Hclletonti', viz., .lane, Jaiucs and Dr. (Iforiic F. Harris. 

J()sc'])li carried on tin- iron business at Howard furnace, luai-i-ied 
Jane Miller, and had <ix children, of wlioin four are now living- — 
uni' son, .John Harris, residinir near Bellefonte. 

Andrew married .Vnn Bella Johnston and had om' son. Dr. 
Luciaii Harris, of Harrishuru', now de<-eased. 

IXCIDKXTS, ,(v. 

There are many incident.- and evi'uts connected with the carlv 
history of the county : hut the limits of this sk(>tch will allow the 
mention of hut few of the most interesting;', and su<'h as best illustrate 
the times. 

Seventy-five years ag-o such a thing as a carriage was unknown in 
the county, and wheeled vehicles oi' any kind were exeeedinglv 
scarce. Traveling- was done entirely upon horseback or on foot. 
Long journeys in the saddle were then undertaken with as little 
hesitation as now characterizes the traveler by rail. About the 
same indifference prevailed then as now in i-egard to a frij) to 
Philadel])hia, though our ancestors consumed several davs in accom- 
plishing it while we can make it in a few hours. As showing 
how little was then thought of what would seem to us an extraordi- 
nary luidertaking, it may be related that Avhen they were married 
the parents of a man now living; in Bellefonte made their wedding 
trip to Mun<'y, a distance of not less than sixty miles, on hor.se 
back ; the party, numbering several couples, enjoying the ride as 
much, and perhaps more, than tlie modern wedding " tour '" is 
enjoyed by those making it. 

In the fall of 1819 the inhabitants of Lamar (now in Clinton 
county) and adjoining townships, having been very much annoved 
by the dejjradations of wolves, determined to rally the entire 
fighting force of the connnunity and exterminate their enemies. 
Accordingly a day was appointed for a general hunt. When the 
time arrived the greatest enthusiasm prevaile<l ; evei-y man for 



H'i rNDlSTHIKS AM) INSTFTT'TK )NS 

miles hvouihI, who was ahlc to bear arms (clubs and pitchl'orks), was 
promptly on hand with his weapon on his shoulder and vengtance 
in his heart. All the assembled bone and sinew, under efficient 
and determined leaders, were formed into a huge circle of several 
miles in diameter, with its centre at the farm of Samuel Brown, 
towai-d which, at a given signal, all steadily and bravely advanced, 
driving the game before them to certain destruction. As the centre 
or point of attack was ncared every man in line prepared his 
weapon, whether a Hint lock musket, or pitchfork, for the deadly 
onslaught. The game, frightened at the near a])pr()ach of such an 
array of fearless warriors, crouched in aluject fear, till Alexander 
Mahan, well known to the older citizens of Lock Haven, jnit an 
end to its fright and existence, with a charge of buckshot or a 
pitchfork thrust. On examination it proved to be a rabbit, the 
sole result of ihal " I'iiig hunt," as it was called. 

''XEai:<) DAxr 

"The first case of ca])ital puni^iiment in tlie county was that of 
Daniel Beyers, or 'Negro Dan 'as he was called, who nmrdered 
James Barrows on the night of the loth of October, 1802, in 
Spring townshi]). The jury returned with their verdict a valuation 
of him ; 'valued him at two hundred and fourtt'en dollars.' He 
was executed on the l-'Jth of Decendier, ISO'i, by James Duncan, 
Esip, then high sheriff. A large crowd, consisting of forge-men and 
other original characters, had assend)led to witness the execution, 
and a company of horse, under the command of Captain James 
Potter, (Gen. Potter, '2d,) was drawn up near the scaffold. With 
the first swing the rope broke and negro Dan +ell Vo the ground 
unhurt ; with that the crowd shouted ' Dan is free,' and headed by 
Archy >rcSwords and ^rcCaniant they made a move to rescue him. 
Shei'iff Duncan, who always carried a lead-loaded I'iding whip, drew 
it promptly, and struck McSwords a blow that might have felled an 
ox. .McSwords scratched his head and said, ' Mr. Duncan, as you 
are a small man you may i)ass on.' With that (Aii)tain Potter's 
ct)m|)anv made a ch.;rge, and William Ii'vin, of the troop, levelled 



OK CKNTItK (OINTY 



n 



McCiunaiit with n l>l(»\v (»f' his swoi-d, cntliiii:' \u^ cap-rim throuu-lu 
.Mcamvliilt' William Pctrikcii sr('i)j)t'(i up to Daii aixl patted liim on 

ilu' shoulder, savini;', ' Dan voii have alwavs heen a 'j: I hoy. '^n up 

now and he hum: lihe a man,' which he did." — Ijiini. 



JAMES M<)M<S. 

The case oi' .lames Monks, who was haiiLicd tor the mui'dei' of 
Ken hen (iuihl, created considei'ahle excitement at the time. The 
cifcunistances aiT uiven as follows : Moid<s was a native of Potter 
townshi]), Centre countv. At the time he committed the Avvd he 
was ahout twenty-four years old, and lived with his wife and two 
chihh-eii on Marsh creek, in Howard township. Accordiutr to his 
confession, written whilt' he was under sentence of death iji the 
("entre countv jail, lie was on his way home from ("learfield county, 
on Sundav, the Kith day of Novendier, ISIT, and in a lonely ])la('e 
in tlu> road, met a man m horseback, " and," to use his own 
lanuiiaLi'e, "as he j)asse(l wc hid each othei- ' a'ood evenina." I 
passed him a few steps, and I know not what came over me, J 
rhoULiht that I nuist kill that man I There was no one with him. 
I then shot liim I The hall entered his hack on the riaht side, just 
at the upper ed<:'e of the waistl)and of his pantaloons, and went 
slopiuii'lv through his hodv and came out just by liis bi'east. This 
wound brouu'ht him down from his hoi-se, and as lie fell he uave a 
loud shriek ; I laid mv uun down in the I'oad and went uji to him. 
lie .-aid, '.I/7 friciid i/aii liai'c l-i/Ird Die' 

" The horse I'an a few rods and stopped ; 1 went after him to 
catch him. but he would not let me. I rhen went back to tlie 
man — he was not (piite (U-ad. I went to my L;un and set it out of 
the road. 1 then went apiin to the hoi'se, when he had be!.iiin to 
feed bv ihe side of the road. I then cauiiht him and took him 
back to where the man was lyiug. I tied him to a brush and went 
to the man ; he was dead I believe; but fearinu' that he nduht not 
l)e dead I took mv tomahawk and struck him twice on the head, 
for at that tiuie I ilid not know how he wa< shot : if I had known 



o4 IN'Dl'sTKlKS AXD [Ns'PITrTKINS 

that tlic shot wa- so deadly, I do not think that T wnnld have 
struck him on the head. 

" I then dropped my ti)malia\vk and eauaht him un<k^r tlie arms 
and dra<i;ued him into the \V(jods ; and just by chance I came on a 
place where a tree liad been blown out of root ; it was surely bv 
chance that I caine on that place, for I went backward and trailed 
him aftei- me. I left him there, werit back and looked for mv 
tomahawk. I f )und it — then I went to the horse and untied him 
from the bush, intending to go to the man, but could not find him. 
r then tied the horse again and hunted the man ; I found him and 
stripped off his clothes. I found a watch in his fob ; I took it out. 
I also found one dollar and tw(dve and a half cents in silver in his 
l)ocket. I found his pocket-book in the side pocket of his strait 
coat; I took it out and put it in my own pocket — I did not open it 
till the next morning. I pulled off his shoes and stockings, and 
tried to put the shoes on but they were too small for me ; I took 
out my knife and cut one of them down in the vamp, but still 
could not get it on. I laid my knife down and forgot it; I also laid 
the shoes down. I then laid the man on his face in the hole and 
covered him with leaves. Then I went and got the horse and led 
him to the place where the clothes lay, and took off the saddle-bags 
and put the leggings, waist coat, bloody shirt, and what things 
I had in my bundle into them. I suppose that when I opened 
my bundle my song-book fell out, and I did not discover it for I 
was very drunk, and it was dark. Then 1 spread my blanket ovei- 
the saddle and laid the pantaloons and strait coat on it, and then 
doubled the blanket over them. I put on the great coat and went 
back to the road, got my gun, and got on the horse and started." 

Monks rode for some distance that night, and then laid down on 
the ground and slept till daylight. On examining the ])ocket-book 
he had taken from the murdered man's pocket he found it to 
contain several dollars in money, some letters, &c. ( )n the fiy-leaf 
were written the words, "Beuben GuiliVx Pocket Book, T/ii'k Pocket 
Book is nn) jrropcrt!/ iioiv, hilt I know 1 innit oioi it JoikjT Monks 
was arrested on suspicion, and tried and convicted at Xovemb(M' 



or CKNTIM-: CorNTY. ."{.") 

tiriu 1(S1,S. He \v;is ably (lefended l)y Messrs. iSorris, Hiiriisidc 
and I'ottcr. The (•oiuiiionwealtli attorneys were Messrs. Kttiiiu, 
Hradtbrd and l>lanehard. Nt'arlv fiitv witnesses were sworn on the 
pare of the proseention. On the tirst (hiy of December he received 
tiie foHow'ing sentence, pronounced by Hon. Charles Huston, then 
president judy-e : "James Monks, it is considered by tlie court that 
you be taken to tlie common jail of the couiitv of Centre, there to 
remain until you are taken to the place of execution, and there to 
be hanged by the neck until flead." He was h^inged on Saturday, 
January 2o, 1<SU>, by John Mitchel, high sheriff, on gallows located 
in the hollow south of the court house. On his way to execution 
under guard of a company of military, "Mary's Dream," a plaintive 
air, was played, at his re([uest, by the fifer, AVilliam Armor, instead 
of the Dead March, usual on such occasions. 

LEWIS AND COXXELLY. 

Every newly settled country is more or less infested with lawless 
characters and desperadoes, and Centre and its neighboring counties 
W'cre by no means exce])tions. Horse thieves and cut-throats, in 
tieeing from justice or for the purpose of following their ])rofessi()n, 
often passed through the country, and occasionally stopjjcd long- 
enough t\)r their characters and designs to become known. In 
many instances the inhabitants became unmistakably aware of 
their pi-esence in their midst, by the loss of a horse or something 
else e({ually valuable. Then, as now, houses and stores were bur- 
glariously entert'd and pluiKU'rcd, and travelei's were fre(|uently 
robbed on the highway. 

In those days the people were at the mercy of out-laws much 
more than now. The facilities for defense and capture were 
exceedingly limited, and the thinly settled ccmdition of the countrv 
rendered the operations of bandits comparatively easy and safe. 
The boldness and daring with which they sometimes performed 
their exploits were truly astonishing. For weeks at a time they 
would remain in a certain district, dailv c()niniittinL: robberies, in 



.'>(l rNI)IsTl;(i;s A NO r.VsTIT( TfoNs 

utter (U'tiaiicc of tlu' law and tlic people. Such was the case with 
Lewis ai)(( Connelly, wiio are well ri'ineuihered hy the ohUr citizens 
of the county. 

Lewis was a native of Centre county, it is said. Connelly was 
an Irishman, and a powerful man. Their dvv(\:^ o'/ daring' lawless- 
ness were numerous, and to such an extent had their robberies been 
carried on. that the government ottered a reward of six hundred 
dollars for their l)odies, dead or alive. During one of their excur- 
sions down Bald Eagle Valley they robbed a wagon loaded witli 
store goods, belonging to Hammond and Page of Belleibnte, and 
took the spoils down the creek in a canoe to a |)oint just above 
Lock Haven, and finding that they had more than they could 
conveniently carry, or fearing that it migiit lead to their detection, 
they built a lire and burned a ])ortion of it. Some of the citizens 
then living in Lock Haven, seeing the smoke, and knowing tliat 
Lewis and Connelly were in the neighborhood, surmised its origin. 
and made an ettbrt to capture the robbers. The attemjtt was 
ineffectual, and thinking the locality a little too warm for them, the 
desperadoes left for new fields of operation and were soon heard 
from on the waters of the Sinnemahoning, wiKi'cui)oii twel\c armed 
men started from Centre county, determined upon their captui'c. 
It was not long before they were discovered near the creek "shooting 
at a mark" close, by the house of a settler, who, no doubt, had been 
in the habit of sharing their plunder. An attack was immediately 
made, which was des])erately resisted by the robl)ers, who, howe\'ei', 
were l)oth wounded, Connelly through the bowi'ls and Lewis in the 
arm, which was badly shattered. With much difficulty tiiey were 
then secured and taken down the river in a canoe to Lock Haven, 
where Connelly soon after died. His remains were buried just 
outside the old cemetery. Lewis was taken to Bellefonte, where iu' 
also soon died from the effects of his w(mnd. The skull of Con- 
nellv was afterwards taken up and used by a lecturer in illustrating 
phrenologv. 



OF CI'.N I'ltIO ('OIN'I'Y. 



S('KNK]n\ ih: 



'riicrc ai'c iiiaiiv places in ('ciitic cuiiutv ot special iiiteiesl to llic 
tourist and othecs, owiuii' t<» natural attractions or liisrorical associa- 
tions ; views of" the ditierent vallevs in the connty from favorable 
locations on the mountains hv which thev are suri'ounded, are 
heautiful in the extreme. This is the case with Peiui's N'allev as 
seen from Nittany Mountain on tlu' road from Bellefonte to Centre 
Hall. But the arandest view in the county is to hi' had from the 
summit of the Bald Eaule ranp', on ^FcCoy's farm, just south of 
the Mileshur:;' (iap. Faeinu' the northeast, the observer overlooks 
the lonu', undulatinti-, tree-covered ridi^-e of the Bald Eai«le Moun- 
tain, which of itself is a fine sight and well woi-th the trij) to see. 
On the riiiht-hand, s])read out like a map, is the beautiful Nittany 
VaUey, clieck(.'red with farms and forests, and dotted here and 
there with buihlings of various kinds. Ten or twelve miles away 
the State College appears to view, and, looking far beyond, other 
buildings are seen. Bordering this valley on the south, the dark 
proportions of the Xittany range loom up as a niighty barrier 
against a further stretch of vision. Xotwithstanding the real 
beautv and attractiveness of this scenery, it is far excelled by the 
pictures(|ue loveliness anil magnificeiir grandeui' of the view of 
Bald I'vagle \'allev and the mountains beyond. To the admirer of 
nature very few siglits can be moi-e pleasing than this. The beauty 
of this valley has long been known and praised, but the half has 
not been told, because perha])s not seen, an<l cannot be, except from 
the elevation on Mi^Coy's farm, or some other eijually eligible point. 
The Bald Eagle Valley is bounded on the one side by the mountain 
of the same name, and on the other by the wild Alleghenies; along 
the base of the former flows the Bald Eagle creek, the winding 
course of which may be followed by the eye for miles. Milesburg, 
('urtin's Iron w(jrks, Howard, both the Bald I'^agle \'alley and 
Snow Shoe railroads, hundreds of farms and farm houses, and other 
evidences of civilization and progress, may all be .seen at a glance ; 
but the grandest feature of this gi-and panorama is the range of 



:]S [Ni)iisTi;n:s and ixstititions 

verdure-covered liills, extending' as far as the eye ran reacli toward 
Lock Haven, and the loftier inouutaiiis in the northern distance. 
Taken as a whok^ the view from ^IcC'oy's farm is one of thenios; 
varied imag-inahle — mountains and mea(hiws, liills and valleys, 
forests and streams, the wildness of nature and the im))rovement- 
of art, all lyiny- around, in enchantiuii' array. 

Within Fenn's Valley is a very sinuular aud iiitei-estinti' cave 
heneath the limestone formation that underlies its surface. Tlu' 
'entrance to this cavern is by the way of what appears to lie an 
ordinary sink-hole in the oj)en field, such as ai'e connnon in lime- 
stone regions. At the bottom of the depression, which is funnel 
sha])ed, with one perpendicular rocky side, there is a considerable 
depth of water, u]K)n which a boat may be launched and rowed 
directly into the mouth of the cave under the overliauiiiny- rocks. 
For several thousand feet tlie bottom of the cavern i>^ covered with 
water to the depth of ten to fifteen feet. The roof oi' ceilin<i- is 
beautifullv ornamented with various sha})ed stalactites, which 
present a most magnificent appearance when i-efiecting the rays of 
a itrilliant light. The cave is narrow throughout its entire length, 
not being over sixty feet wide in any place. This cave is the 
.voui'ce of l\'nn's Creek, which flows through Union and Snyder 
counties and em])ties into the Susipiehanna, near Selinsgrove. 
" Fald Eagle's Nest," which was the home at one time of the great 
chief " Bald Eagle," is a (juiet nook near JNIilesburg. The S])ring 
at l^x'llefonte is of itself a most beautiful sight, and no visitor to 
thai place should fail to see it. There are other places of interest 
in various parts of the countv, but of tiu'in let more prc^tentious 
writers speak. 

Centre county has all the natural advantages to make it a grt'al 
manufacturing regi(kn. Its water power is unlimited and inexhaust- 
ible; it has an al)iindance of coal, iron ore, and limestone; its 
hiuhlands are covered with valuable timber ; its fertile valleys are 
capal)le of su|)plying thousands w'ith food, and its climate is health- 
ful. Man has but to reach out and gras]) what nature has placed 



witliiii liis irach {<> iiuikc lliis coiiiitv ;i cciUri' oi' iiiaimiactiiic and 
ii'adc, as it is the <iCH)<>Taplucal cnitrc of the State. 

Ill (Icvclopiuu- its resources and advaneiiiLi' its matt'rial wealth its 
people have not ne<rleeted or sli<>lited the edueatioiial interests of 
tiie eoiiiit\ . Its jnihlie schools are of a high ordca', and flourishiiiii- 
aeademies and select schools ai'e in operation in various ])hices. 

Of the many ])k'asanl and prosperous viUau'cs in Centre county 
several deserve especial mention. Aar()nsl)iiru\ laid out in 17<S(t hy 
Aaron Levy; Milesburo-, laid out in ITil."] l)y Col. Samuel IMiles: 
i'hilipsburii', started in 171)7 hy Henry and James Philips; and 
then l)o;ilsburg, I'ine Grove, (,'entre Hall, Kel>ersl)urg, ^Milllieiiu, 
Madisonhura', Howard, Eagleville, Unionville, Penii Hall, Hublers- 
burg. /ion, Jacksonville, Stormstown, Loveville, Port ^latilda, and 
SnoAV Shoe. The population ol" the county in 1<S7() was o4,418 ; it 
is now estimated to be about ^>7,()f)(). 



40 i>'oi>n;iis and instititions 



BELLEFONTE ACADEMY. 



ij^^fjMO^Vii tlu' first settk-rs (.f wliiit is now ('ciiti'i' county were 
^^ many persons of intelli.uc'nfc and ( ulturf, who t'lilly apprc- 
'>^p' eiated the inii)ortance of ethuation, and desired to estahlisli 
some plan by which tlie ycnith of the vicinity — tliose of their own 
day and after uenerations — wouhl l»e insured a lilx'i'al course of 
instruction. 

None were more desirous to accomplish tliis end than .lames 
Dunlop and .lames Harris, the owners at that time (I'SOO) of the 
land on which Bellefonte is located. When Centre county was 
oryaiiized by Act of February KJ, IJSOO, these y^entlemen granted 
to Andrew Gregg, William Swanzy and Robert Boggs, as trustees of 
the new county, certain " lots and lands in and adjoining the town 
of Bellefonte," a portion of thi' proceeds of which was to be usi'd 
for the support of an academy or public school in said county. 

By the Act incorporating " Bellefonte Academy," ai)proyed .Jan- 
nary )S, \H{)i'), the lands designed especially for educational purposes 
were transferred to the control of the board of trustees of that 
institution. The first and second sections of said act are as follow: 

"Skc. 1. Be it enacted, &c., that there shall be established, and 
hereby is (established, in the town of Bellefonte, in the county of 
Centre, an academy oi- ])ublic school, for the education of youth in 
the useful arts, sciences and literature, by the name, style and title 
of ' Bellefonte Academy.' 



OF CICN'riM: ((UNTY. 41 

"Skc. 2. And \)v it I'lirtlici- <'ii:ictc(l, iV:c.. that tlic tii>t trustees 
of liellefoiitc Acadeiuv sliall consist of the iollowiiiii' [lersous, vi/ : 
I leu rv R. Wilson, minister of tlie ^(•■^i>el; James Diinlop, Kolaiul 
Ciirtiii, William Petriken, Kohert MeClaiiahan and John Hall, of 
the town of Bellefoiite; William Stewart, minister of the <i:osi)el ; 
Andrew Greau' and .James Totter, of Potter towiishi]); James Dun- 
can, John Hall and Jacob Hosternian, of Haines townshi]) ; John 
Krider, of ^[iles townsliij) ; Jacob Taylor, of Halfmoon township ; 
David Whitehill, of Patton township; Kichard Miles, Rob't Boggs, 
Joseph Miles and -lohn Dunlop, of Sprino- township; Williani 
McEwen and Thomas ]Mc(almon, of Centre township; John Fea- 
ron, Matthew Allison and James Boyd, of Paid Eagle township ; 
which said trustees, and their successors, to be elected as hereinaftei- 
mentioned, shall be and they are hereby declared to be one body, 
corporate and politic, by the name, style and title of the 'Trustees 
of Bellefonte Academy,' and by the same name shall have })erpetual 
succession, and shall be able to sue and be sued," A:c. 

En accordance with the re([uirements of the Act of incorporation, 
the trustees held their first meeting- at the house of Benjamin Pat- 
ton, in Bellefonte, on the first Monday of May, LSO'). By Act of 
January 9, 1800, two thousand dollars were granted to the Aeademv 
out of the State treasury for the erection of a building, one pro- 
vision of said Act being that " a number of poor children, not 
exceeding six, were to be ediuiated gratis, but no such child should 
be so taught longer than two years." 

The first principal of the Academy was the Rev. Henry R. 
Wilson. He remained in charge till October, 1809, when he was 
transfeired to the presbytery of Carlisle. He was succeeded as 
princii)al and also as pastor of the Presbyterian congregation of 
Bellefonte, by the Rev. James Linn, who was installed pastor at 
Bellefonte, April, 1810, and about the same time entered upon the 
duties of principal. Though Dr. Linn remained a comparativelv 
i)rief period in charge of the Academy he continued his pastoral 
relations with the Bellefonte congregation till his death, which 
occurred February 28, 1868, in the eighty-fifth year of his age and 



42 INDISTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

fifty-eight years afier his ordination and installation as jiastor of 
liis conaregation. During all these long years lie excrcisrd a 
watchful care over the school and labored continually to promote 
its interests. For many years he was president of the !>oai-d of 
trustees. He was educated at Dickinson College, Cai-lisk', Pa. 
Altliough Bellcfonte Academy was designed as a chissica! institu- 
tion, and was generally conducted as such, at times it seems there 
was difficulty in procuring suitable persons to manage the school, 
and instruct in the branches required to be taught. In f-udi caso 
a person well qualified in English was secured to take charge, and 
t(^ach the ordinary branches till such time as arrangements could 
be made to obtain a classical sdiolar as principal. It occasionally 
hap])ened that, for want of an acceptable princij)a], or for some 
other reason, the board of trustees temporarily closed the Academy, 
when the use of the rooms would be granted to some t(>acher for a 
select or private school. 

After Dr. Linn, as a regular principal, came Chand)erlain, who 
is spoken of, by one who knew him well, as a fine scholar, and an 
estimable man. After him came Robert Baird, who taught fr )m 
the summer of 181S to the fall of 1819, then entered Princeton 
Theological H^eminary. It is said of him that he was exceedingly 
modest and retiring, Avhile conducting the school, but highly accom- 
plished as a scholar and generally beloved. He afterwards became 
eminent as a traveller and author, visited Euro[)e nine times, and 
wrote a number of valuable works, among them the following : 
" History of Temperance Societies in the United States ;" " Tlie 
Union of Church and State in New England ;" " Visit to Northern 
Europe ;" " Religion in America ;" " Protestantism in Italy,'' etc. 

Another of the early principals was the Rev. J. P). McCarrel. 
He was a mendier of the Associate Reformed Church. Most of the 
teachers of the Academy were of th(> Presbyterian faith, though the' 
institution was not, as some suppose, under the especial control of 
that denomination. It always was, and still is, free from so called 
sectarianism, and open to all religions. The reason assigned for the 
Presbyterian eomple.vioii of tlie institution is, that the leading and 



OK CKNTlil': ((HX'IY. 4;1 

most active ('ducjitiinial spirits (if the carlv times in ("eiUre eoimty 
were of that belief. 

riie titii' of ilie land on wliic h the Aeademv is situat(<i was not 
Nested ill the trustees till duii(> 12, \<^T->, when, by deed of tlanies 
Harris and Nancy his wife, the ])i'o])erry was ei^nveved to them and 
their successors forever, to be used as oriainallv intended — I'oi' 
educational purposes. The graiitin<>- clause ol' said deed is as fol- 
lows: "The said , lames Harris and Nancy his wife, for and on 
account ol' their desire and wish to encourage and proiii(»te litera- 
ture, and in eonsidei-ation oi' one f<i/irr dollar to them in hand paid 
by the ti'iistees of ■ Bellefonte Academy, the recei|)t of which is 
hereby acknowledged, have given., gi'anted," etc. 

In October, 1<S24, Professor AliVed Armstrong, a graduate of 
Dickiu.son College, became ])riiicipal. At the time lie assumed 
control there were but twelve pupils in attendance. Their names 
were: James Burnside, .son of Judge Thomas Burnside, and himself 
ai'terwards a judge; Jas. Miles, William JMiles, Edward V. Humes, 
now president of the First National Bank of Bellefonte, and a 
well known and much respected citi/.en ; Edward Txtwrey, Charles 
Welch, who, upon completing his course at the Academy, read 
medicine, and i-eceived the a])})ointment of ass^istant .surgeon in the 
army, soon after dying while in the discharge of his duty at Fort 
(iibson; John Norris, who afterward became captain and died at 
Milton, Ba., in 1874; Horatio Norris and Brown Norris, the latter 
dying in Washington, D. C, where he held an honorable position 
under the United States government ; Robert McClelland, William 
Miles, Charles Huston, only son of Judge Huston, and William M. 
I^yon. The above named are all now dead except Edward C. 
Humes and William M. Lyon, nunnber of the well-known firm of 
Lyon, Shorb &. Co., of Pittsburgh. 

The trustees at the beginning of I'rof. Armstrong's principalship 
were Kev. James Linn, John Lowrey, Andrew Gregg, 8r., Thomas 
Burnside, Charles Huston, Hamilton Humes, John Norris, William 
Potter, John Blanchard and Franklin Smith, none of whom are 
now living. The next in order as principal seems to have been 



44 INDl'STItlES AND INSTITUTIONS 

William E. Hamilton, but, as was tlu' case with a iiumbci- of I'ii»<'. 
Armstrong's successors, he occupied the position l)ut a sjiort time 
Mr. John Livingston, perhaps, taught longer than any other. Like 
two at least of his predecessors he was a graduate of Dickinson 
College. He entered upon his duties as principal in 1<S87, and 
continued to faithfully discharge them till 1H45, when, owing to ill 
health he was coin[)elled to sever his connection with the institution, 
and not long after died. His health had been ])oor during hi^- 
entire term of service as i)rinci])al, a result, it is said, of too close 
apj)lication to study while attending college. He was a man of fine 
scholarly attainments, a good disci])linai'ian, modest, unassuming 
and conscientious. 

On September 2(S, \H4^^, John Phili])s was employed as principal. 
He was probably also a graduate of Dickinson College, as he was 
recommended to the board of trustees by Professoi- William H. 
Allen of that institution. Philips resigned Se])tember 4, 1847, when 
an invitation was extended to the former i)rinci{)al, Piofessor Alfre(l 
Armstrong, to again take charge of the Academy, which lie did. 
continuing several years. 

During the early history of the Academy it appears to iiave been 
attended only by boys — there being no female department, and the 
co-education of the sexes seems not to have been adopted. There 
were times, however, during a temporary suspension of the Academy 
proper, when classes of young ladies were taught in the building by 
various teachers, among them Dr. Linn. About 1S4() oi- '4") an 
additional building was erected adjoining the original slnu-ture, and 
occupied for a number of years as ii "Female S(uninary," under 
control of a distinct and separate board of trustees. 

At a meeting of the trustees of the Academy, held in 18o2, Baimiel 
Linn, James T. Hale and James Armor were appointed a committee 
" to take into considerati(m the pro])riety and ex])ediency of uniting 
the two boards of the Academy and Female Seminary, and of using 
the building as a High School in connection with the public schools 
of this borough, and that they be instructed to correspond with 
such persons as they may choose in Carlisle and l*liiladel])hin for 



OF cKNTi;!': ('(•rNiY. 4-> 

llic |nir|)osc of liccdiniiii:' ;i<-(ni;iiiil('(l with llif lliu'li ScIhkiI ,<ysti'iii 
:i(|()|>t('»l ill those |)hiccs." At ;i siil)>c(|iiciit iiicctiiiu', this coiuinittcc 
i-c|)iirl('(l as iulhiws: "That tiu'V have (•(Hit'crrcd with the hoard 
(if trustees oi' tiie I'^eiiiah' Seiiiiiiarv and they ex|)re>s a willint:iiess 
to siirreii(U'i' their riizhts, on condirion that the Aeach'iny hoard |iay 
the oiitstandini:- iuth'litechiess of the Seminary; and thereupon, 
resolved, that t!ie said coininittee he autiiorized and instructed to 
aeeept the proposition made liy the Seminary hoard, provided the 
said indehtechiess lie specified hy the trustees of tlie I-'eniah' Sem- 
inarv, and (h»es not exceed one hun(h'ed and fifty dollai's." It seems 
that the ahove terms ])roved to he satisfactory, for in a short time 
the Acadeiiiv trustees had possession of the Seminary huihliiiLi', and 
for a time, in connection with the hoard of horouLih <lirectors, 
coiuhn-ted a Higli School within its walls. 

For a numher of years after \>^'>4 the Academy, as a classical 
institution, was not in operation, the huildiutis heiiiu' used for puhlic 
and select school ])uri)Oses. In lM(iS the trustees of the Academy 
a'jain took possession of the huildintis, aiitl at a meeting- held March 
•J.'M of that year elected the Rev. d. 1'. Hni:hes princi])al. 

Beside the i)nnci]xils already mentioned as havinti- had chariic 
of the Academy at ditferent times, there were (|uite a numher 
of others who served in that capacity hut short periods, or merely 
conducted Enii'lish schools when the Academy was not in operation. 
Of such the following names are reiueiiil)ered hy some of the oldest 
<'iti/.ens of Bellefonte : J. B. Shugert, father of S. T. Shugert, Fxp, 
Kohert McBride, ('arter, Paine, Brotherton. .Joseph ^fahaii, Moses 
Williamson, a gi-aduate of Union Colleue, Schenectady, New York ; 
Veonians and T. R. Pratt, -Johnson, Thor Nolir, Williams, Thoiu])- 
.■^on, Torbert and Henry Cross, said to have heeii cross hy name and 
cross bv nature. Of the many |)Upils who have attended the 
Academv since its incor])oratioii, the following mimes are presented, 
as showing .s-o//*'-//////r/ of the results of the educational training of the 
institution: Judge James Burnside, Col. Andrew (xregg, lion. 
I\obert J. Walker, Secretary of Treasury under Buchanan ; .Judge 
Samuel Iviiin, Edward C. Humes (previously mentioned >, .J. I'. 



46 [XDCsTKfKS AXf) fXST/TCTfo.VS 

Gray, Presideut of the Utica New York Iiisime Asylum ; W. \V. 
Montgomery, merchant, Bellefonte ; J. H. Rankin, attorney, Belle- 
fonte; Andrew G. Curtin, ex-Governor of Pennsylvania, and 
ex-Minister to Russia — resides in Bellefonte ; E. W. Hale, Jacob 
V. Thonuis, W. P. Wilson, attorney, liellefonte ; S. T. Shugert, 
re]iresented Centre county thi*ee times in the State Legislature; 
Maj. P. B. Wilson, Patton Lyon, S. S. Lyon, the present burgess 
of Bellefonte; Dr. George H. Hai-ris, |thysician, Bellefonte; Joe. 
W. Furey, oue of the editors of JU-llcfontc Wafcliwan : Austin 
Gurtin, John Irwin, Jr., AV. P. Humes, J. P. Harris, cashier First 
National Bank, Bellefonte ; J. G, Hall, ex-member of the Legis- 
lature — resides at Ridgway, p]lk county, Pa.; J. I). Shugert. 
cashier of Centre County Bank, Bellefonte; J. F. Shugert, clerk in 
Washington, T).C. ; F. G. Smith, of the class of T)!, now an officer 
in the regular army ; the ^Messrs. Blanchard, attorneys, of Belle- 
fonte ; the Messrs. Valentine, and many othei-s, whom it is not 
necessary to mention. As will be st-en, the above names include 
representatives of a variety of professions and ])ublic positions, 
making a list most creditable to the institution. 

On the 10th of November, 1864, :i re-union of the pupils of the 
.\cademy was held in Bellefonte, it l)eing the tittietii annivcrsai-y 
of Pi-ofessoi' Armstrong's coniu'ction with the institution. In an 
address delivered by the Professor on that occasion, he gave the 
following descri|)tlon of tlie school room as it was when he took 
charge of it in 1S24: "A room of moderate dimensions, with four 
windows, two facing the town on the east and two on the west 
toward the spring. The furniture — a few pine benches and two 
lieavy oaken t!d)les, sufficiently large for eight oi- ten boys to sit 
around each. These old-fashion(Ml scliuol desks l)ore the marks of 
the .s/n/ryy kniiwx if not the s/itirj) ivlf.^ of preceding generations of 
youth. They were fearfullv hacked from end to end, but the 
hardness of the material and thickness of the planks resisted the 
• lesolations of the knives and the ravages of years. There they stood 
through my time and jx'rhaps long after. * * * A heavy old six- 
plated stove standing in the middle of the room, and a hi<-korv 



OF CKX'I'KIC CorNTY. 4/ 

li".)(iiii i:i tlic (•(iriici-, coiiiitlclcd tlii' uccoiuniodnliDns of tliis cliHsic 
apai-tiiuMit/" III rc'uartl ti' the Itraiiclies TaiiLjlir at lliat time, Mr. 
Ann<!r()iiL;- said : " For tlircc years or iiiorr, lutlhiiii;' was taiiulit in 
the Acadcinv, save souiotiuu's a little matheiuatics, hut the classic 
aithors. It was Latin in the nidvninL;-, and Latin and (Jreek in the 
afternoon. It was Latin and (ireek on Monday, and (Ji-eek and 
Latin on Tuesday. Wetliu'sday hioutiht the same studies, and 
'Tiiursdav the same. And Fi-iday, what a hlessed ' i-epetition day,' 
as it was called — a review of the whole week's previous study." 

The present |)riiuMpal, Rev. J. P. Hughes, is a native of C'a[)e 
May county, N. .1. He graduated at Princeton College in LSoO, and 
was educated for the ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary. 
He was called from the seminary to take charge of the nuithemati- 
cal department of the " Luzerne Presbyterial Institute," Luzerne 
county. Pa. After remaining thei-i- three yeai-s he was called to 
assist in the Edge Hill School, Princeton, N. J., which was then 
under charge of Prof AVilliam C. Cattell. During the first year of 
'Sir. H\ighes's connection with that school Dr. ('attell was callcil to 
the ])residency of Lafayette C-ollege, and Mr. Hughes became one 
of the princi[)als, remaining nine years. He was then elected prin- 
ciptd of L()gansj)ort Presbyterian Academy, Logansport, Lid. After 
remaining there three years he received an invitation to take charge 
of Bellefonte Academy, which he did in August, l.S(iO. Uv ojn'ued 
scliool in the lower room of the north wing with p'j'fnii pupils. At 
the time, or soon after ^Mv. Hughes tookj-harge of the school, the 
buildings were I'epaired and thorouglily ])iit in order, one thousand 
dollai-s of the original fund being used with individual subscriptious 
to defray tht' expense of improvements. In 1872 an addition of 
40 X ()() feet was built to accommodate the increased attendance of 
l»upils. This building is of brick, substantially built, and contains 
a main school room, 40 x 40 feet, and two recitation i-ooins of con- 
venient size, and a large basement. The second st(»ry is divided 
into dormitories for boarding pupils. The co.<t of this building was 
four thousand dollars, the remaininii- one thousand dollai-s of the 



4^ [xi)i's'n;(i:s axd rxsi'iriTtoxs 

two th(Ui,-aii<l dollar endow luciit heiu^- UfiC'd, and tlic halancc ina<l(' 
II]) hv contiibutions of the citizens of Bellefonte. 

The huilding.s, rooms and furniture of Bellefonte Academy ol' 
to-dav, as compared with tlie small building, single room and 
"accommodations'" of hftv rears ago, ])resent a most striking and 
pleasing contrast. As Latin and(ireek constituted tlie ])rinci])al 
studies of Professor Armstrong's ])upils, so they are yet, under ■Nil'. 
Hughes, daily pursued, together with the Friday's reviews, to wiiicli 
have been adde 1 other branches, both useful and oi-namental. 
Until Se])tember, 1876, tlie sexes were educated together under Mr. 
Hughes; at that tinu' they were placed in separate apartments with 
a lady princi[)a] in charge of the female de])artment. 

During Mr. Hughes's princi])alshi]) the school has grown from 
the small class of fifteen, with no one but iiimself, assisted by his 
wife, as teacher, to ninetv scholars, about e(|uallv divided l)etween 
the sexes, and a corps of foui- assistants. Many of the pupils 
prepared by Mr. Huglies are taking high raid< in some of the 
leading colleges of the country. 

The location of the Academy is a most beautiful one, and the 
wisdom of those who placed it there cannot lie too highly com- 
mended. Artbrding, as it does, a tine view of the entire town, and 
a large scope of the surrounding country, it is essentially attra<-tive 
and desirable. The view to be had from the .Vcademy is beautifully 
varied — the town lying below and encircling the eminence on 
which it is built, vei'du re-covered mountains in the distance, hills 
an<l valleys, cleared fields and blocks ol' woodland, winding streams, 
snow white cottages, all s|)read in ])anoramic loveliness before tlu' 
eve. Such a scene, combined with the healthfnlness of the climate, 
the morality and intelligence of the community in which it is 
located, the course of training, both intellectual and moral, |iuisued 
at Bellefonte Academy, render it a most desirable place for the 
eilucatiou of vonth. 



Ol- Cl'.NTI!!". CorSTY. 



4!) 



BANKING INSTITUTIONS. 



By E. C. HUMES, Esq. 



THE ( 'llXTJiE 11. 1 .VA' O/- J'EXXs VL I '. I XL I , 



^^iarlNDKIv the provisions of an act oC Asx'inhlv, rntirlc<l " An 
^^ Act n'L:tilarin;i- hank-." passed Mai'cli 21, IS].",, dminL; tli(> 

[' adniinistnitioii of ( Jovcnior Simon Snvdcr, the State was 
divided into twenty-seven disti'icts for hankiniz' purposes, and the 
counties of Centre, Clearfield. ]\IcKeaii, LvconiiiiL:, Potter and 
TioLia. were formed into a district, with autlioritv to eslahlisli one 
l)unk, to he <'alled "The CentiT Bank of I'cnnsvlvaiiia.'" 

The Aiiit'riciiii Pidriol, a nows|)aper pnhlish<'d at I'xilefonte in 
l'*^!.'), hy Alexander Hamilton, contained the followini:' notice issued 
l)y the conimissioncrs named in the hill, invitini:' snhsci'iptions to the 
capital stock : 

"('ciilrc l)<iiih of Pi'inixiilviiiiiii. 

"I'uhlic notice is hereby o-jven, that aurcealih t<i ihe provision- of 
tlie Act of Assend)ly, passed the 21st of March. |S14, entit]e(| 'An 
Act reg-ulatinti' hanks,' liooks will he opened to receive sid)sc)iptions 
lor ca])ital stock of the 'Ceiiirc Baiih of Pcniisiilrtiiiin,'' on the 2~)t]i. 
2(;th, 27th, 2Sth, 2!)th and :'.(>th days of April iiext, at the lollowin- 
places, from nine o'clock in the morniuL; uiilil thi-ee o'clock in the 
eveninir <>f each day, to wit: 

"At the ho'ase (»f Elizaheth Meri'il in the town of l'enn>horo — 
at the house of Jacoh Heivley in the hoi-onuh of Williamsport, and 
at the house of [^('onard Pfotitz at Jersey Shore, for the countv of 



r)0 INJ)rsTi;ll> AM) IXSTITI TIONS 

Lvcoiiiiiiti, — at the liousc of Alpheus Cheney,' for the eouiities of 
Tioaa iiiid Potter — at the house of Evan Miles in the horough of 
Bel]efont(> — at the house of Dun'can & Forster in the town of 
Aaronshiirg — at the house of John Kerr in Penn's Valley — at the 
house of John Kurt/ in ^lill Hall, for the eounty of Centre; and at 
the house of Robt'i't Collins in the town of ('learfield, for the coun- 
ties of Clearfield and IVTcKcan. 

"At which time and place one oi- more of the commissioners 
;ip])ointed by the said Act of .Vssend)ly will attend ; and to whom 
tive dollars on each and every share of stock must be paid at the 
time of subscribing. 

Andrew GiiK(i(i, Jami> Duncan, 

Jamics Haiiris, Roland Citrtin, 

John (t. Lowkey, John Hays, 

Sami'ee Stewart, John Turk, 

Ge()R(;e AVebb, ('oiiDiiixsiouenf." 

In pursuance of the above mentioned act the " C(>ntre Bank of 
Pennsvlvania " was established as a State baidv of issue, discount 
and deposit, in the early |);irt of that yeai', at Hellefonte, with a 
capital of fifty thousand dollars, — the stock i)eiiiu- taken and held 
mainlv by citizens of the county, (|uite a nund)er of whom were 
men of means for that day, and who, under ordinary circumstances, 
would have given charactei* to a monied institution. 

In consequence, however, of the insufficiency of caj)ital for the 
development of the country and the recjuirements of the business 
comnuinity, as well as the fact that the bulk of the loans were 
invested in real estate, which has invariably proved disastrous to 
the prosperity of banks, this (me being unable to recall her loans 
be<-ame endiarrassed, and although the enter])rise did not prove a 
profitable one in the end to the stockholders, yet. it is believed, 
depositors were fully re-ind)ursed. 

The first board of directors consisted of eiglitceii stockholders, 
ciiinposed of the heading men of the town and county, and, as has 
been ascertained by leference to the minutes of theii' election, were 
as follows: Andrew (Tregg, Poland ('urtin, James Duncan, James 
Potter, f)r., Hamilton Humes, John Irvin, James Harris, .Josejih 
Miles, Charles Huston, Thomas Ihiniside, I^lisha Moore, .John 



ov (;kntuk county. 51 

I)iinl()|), riiili|) Bi'iiiu'i-, John (J. Lowrcy, ls:i:ic McK iiiiicv, Lvoii 
MussiiiH, John Rankin, and William Jlrown, Jr. .Vndi't'w (ii-t'<i<:. 
Sr., was the prc.'^idcnt, John Xorris casliiev, and Joseph AFiles teller 
and l)ook-kee|)ei-. '['he hank was located in the corner room of the 
stone dwelling house owned hy tlu' estate of the late Koland Curtiii, 
Jr., now occupied hy his widow, on the corner of Alleulienv and 
Howard stre(>ts. The interior and extevioi- arrani^'ement f)i- the 
safe kei^pinu' of the funds were of a very simple and primitive con- 
struction, and ditfc'red materially from those of suhsecjuent times. 
Resting- upon the Hoor, a vault ( so-caHed ) was placed, which, in 
some respects, resend)le(l a modern closet, and which, if standinti 
to-day, would per]iaj)s l)e ohjected to as heinti' rather contractiMl and 
too insecure as a depository f )r the china and cutlerv of our tahles, 
not to .siy silver ware whieli is to be found in almost every liouse- 
liold. It was, however, securely fastened at the closing of the bank 
each (lay by a lock manufactured by a mechanic of the town, who, 
by the way, was a clever blacksmith, and of coiu'sr qualified for 
making bank locks. The nuun security, however, consisted in the 
fact that a watchman, who nightly occupied a watch-house which 
stood at the edge of the pavement, was always on duty, and it is 
said, never "bobbed an eye." The capacity of the receptacle was 
very limited, being barely sufficient to contain the person of the 
watchman, and this in an uj)right, or at most, a leaning position, 
foi- which pur])ose an inclining board, some six feet in length, was 
placed against the side at an angle of forty-five degrees, Avhich 
served as a resting ])lace for the occupant when there w^as no dis- 
turbance without. In form it was octagonal and resembled an 
old-fashioned tin lantern, the diameter being three feet and six 
inches precisely, and the height from the floor to <!eiling five feet 
eight inches, or thereabouts, the latter not particularly remembered. 
It was his usual custom to cry the hours of the uight, and some now 
living may, and doubtless do, recollect the punctuality with which 
Eli Cadwallader, who was a cooper by trade, performed this duty 
under the supervision of the Centre Bank officials : " H-a-l-f p-a-s-t 
t-w-e-1-v-e o-'-c-l-o-c-k a-n-d a — 1 — 1 i-s w-e-1-1." Cadwallader was 



l\()l>Ti;ii:s AM) IXSTITT-TION.' 



succeeded h\' Xatlian Loiigliead, who lield the j)()siti()]i several 
vear's. It niiiiht he well fov the watchnien of the present dav to 
ohst'rve the same j)ractiei' hi the perfoi'imuice of their duties. 

The notes of the hank were not eni>Taved in the highest style of 
the art of the ])resent day, hut simply stated upon their face a 
promise to pav tiie hearer th<' amount designated, without aiiv 
supei'tlnities, as is now the case, the pi'unnse heing sutticiently 
hui-densome, ami occasionally more than was complied with, either 
in tlu'orv' or practice. 

The following is the firm of one of the not<'s issued hv the hank : 

The President and Directors cV Co. of the ('ciitrc I'xdiL- of I'ciiii- 
si//r(uil(i promise to pav Iv. .\llison, or hearer, on demand, five 
(iollars. 

Bellefonte, 1st June, IMo. 

.]y(>. XolMilS, CiisJiirr. \yi)UK\\ (tkkoc;, Pns. 

All instance of the facility with which these notes could he 
imitated was disclosed hv a meiiihei- of the har, an exj)ert writer, 
who, with his |)eii, ])repare(l an imitation of the genuine issue, which 
lie j)resented to the cashier at the counter, and received in e.\:change 
other niouev, without any suspicion on the part of that official that 
it was a counterfeit. l>nt counterfeits then were exceedinglv hard 
to detect — I'rri/. 

Tradition further reveals a somewhat curious incident connected 
with the pavnu'iit of tiie stock instalments as they were called in, 
which would l)e coiisidei'cd rather a novel j)laii for this dav. It is 
said that stockliolders who wei-e short of funds, (and this state of 
things fre(|uentlv occurred then as now,) were allowed to give their 
notes for instalments instead of the payment of cash, hy which 
mode the stock was alwavs promptly paid up, with llie additional 
advantage of the immediate investment of the proceeds of tiie dis- 
count. It was not considered important that a very large reserve 
should he ke])t within the vault, and luuice the actual coin was 
contained in a hox of very moderate dimensions. F(U' ordinary 
purposes this was found (|iiite sufficient. On one occasion, however, 
it is saiil, it came near proving;' disastrous, and did not work well. 



OK CENTKE COUNTY. ,58 

A m'litlcmaii from a distant county had accunuilated an anioniit o1 
notes Miiu'h larii'er tluui tlio coin usually lield for red(Mnption. On 
a ccrlain day, witliout |)i-('vions notice to the officers or directors, he 
(h'ove into town in a carria<>e drawn by four horses — an event 
uii])recedented in the history of the place — and in due time |)r(- 
sented the notes of the Centre Baidc for redemption, in gold and 
silver, without any special preference for either, the latter not. 
haviuL; heen "demonetized" at that date. Of course this event 
was not to be trifled with, and had to be met and surmounted with 
as little delay as possible. A meeting of the board was called, at 
which all the uK^mbers were present with the exception of two, who 
resided at a distance and who could not be informed of the occur- 
vencv in time for the meeting. This impromptu meeting having 
convened, and the object having been made known to the members, 
it was resolved, after mature deliberation, that a supper should be 
given to the stranger at the hotel at the northwest corner of High 
and Allegheny streets, with the usual accompaniment of the best 
li(|Uors that could be obtained — the lattei- to be on no account 
omitted, and the quantity to be abundant. The result was that 
-Mr. 1)1 )yd [)olitely accepted the invitation, and drank freely of the 
beverage, and was persuaded to leave on the following morning, 
l)earing with him the identical notes he had brought. After his 
de})arture it was determined to continue the supper on the following 
evening with this difference, that the last named article should be 
more liberally provided, and that meats and vegetables should be 
excluded as being unwholesome for gentlemen who usually kej)t 
good hours. Tt is unnecessary to say that full justice was done to 
this second I'ntertainment. All the directoi's partook libei'ally and 
nuich good humor was manifested. < )n a review of the plan 
a<lopted in this instance, for the i'edeni[)tion of the demand notes of 
the institution, it was pronounced entirely satisfactory, while S(mie 
sfiff/it alterations in the mode were proposed by the two absent 
inend)ers, at the next regular meeting of the board. 

On another occasion an incident occurred which atfiirdcd some 
annisement for the Ijank officials, if it did not for the other imrty 



54 LVDISTIUKS AND INsTITUTIONK 

conceriK'il. In tlic yi ;ir 1817, the bank beinir in some trouble, was 
compelled to susjx'nd specie payment, when an issue of shin-plasters 
was made and sioned, as dire( ted by the board, by the then teller, 
Jose])h Miles. Previous to the sus])ension a farmer, residing in 
Halfmoon township, who had in his jjosscssion some two or three 
thousand dollars of the notes of the bank, and who had heard a 
rumor of its weakness, came to the conclusion that perhaps the 
wiser and safer ])]an nnuht be to iiave them exchanged for some- 
thing "stronger." Accordingly he presented them at the counter 
with a demand for redem])tion in specie, alleging that his fears of 
the stability of tlie baidi liad not been aroused, but that he re(H!ired 
the coin for some special purpose. Richard Miles, who had recently 
become the teller, and continued as such till the suspension of the 
baidv in 1822, called Mr. Norris in the emergency. This official, a 
high-toned gentleman, of great presence and dignity of person, 
endeavored to satisfy the note-holder that his fears were groundless, 
but failed to make a favorable impression, although he pressed his 
views with much earnestness. Nothing would answer short of an 
exchange — and that instanter. At this time a large jjroportion of 
the silver circulation consisted of five franc pieces, a foreign mon(>y, 
which, being the fractional part of a dollar, Avere somewhat difficult 
to count, and especially so to the unpracticed. Mr. Norris directed 
the teller to pay over the francs in exchange for the notes, which he 
proceeded to do with as little delay as possible, but with becoming 
delibei'ation. As may be imagined that amount of silver made a 
considerable ])ile, which required no little ingenuity to dispose of, 
being rather more than a man could conveniently carry; but what 
gave the farmer the greatest uneasiness was his utter inability ro 
compute the funds before him with the slightest degree of satisfac- 
tion to himself. Of one thing he was convinced, and that was that 
the bank had the ability (o redeem his notes, and as this was the 
main difficulty, he began to ponder as to what plan he could adoj)t 
by which he might have things remain in dafn quo, without seeming 
to disturb the e(|uanimity of the cashier, who had already evinced 
souK^ slight sym])toms of temper. After some parleying it was 



OF (MOXTRIO COUNTY. •).) 

ajj'rwd tluit tlie funds sliould rcnuiiii on deposit till wanted — a 
result entirely satisfaetorY t^) both parties, and |)ai'ticnlarly to the 
oliicials of the hank. It is presumed that deposit became a perma- 
nent one, as the bank shortly after sus])ended. 

An Act of Assend)lY was passed A})ril 1, 1822, providing' for the 
elcH'tion, on the 18th of the following November, of five trustees to 
close the affairs of the baidc. After the election of sucli trustees 
James P. Gregg was em])loy(Hl for the purpose of finally closing the 
business. Mr. (ir(>gg was engaged for several years — till shortly 
bi'fore his death — in the discharge of his duty, which he performed 
with gi-eat energy and perseverance. 

HUMES, McAllister, hale ct- co. 

After the suspension of the " Centre Bank of Pennsylvania '" the 
county was without banking facilities of any kind for a period of 
forty years ; and while a large and varied amount of business, 
arising from the nuinufacturing, agricultural, mechanical and com- 
mercial interests, was carried on in the meantime, it was done 
pi'incipally on the cash and credit system, the latter vastly pre- 
l)i)nderating. As a cousetpience of this mode of procedure, there 
was little or no punctuality in meeting obligations at inaturit}^ — a 
s(!rious drawback upon all business operations, and such as wonld 
not be tolerated at this day in any well regulat(;d conumuiifv. 

In the year IHol), when State banks had become nnm(>rons and 
many private banking houses had been established in varions 
localities of the country, at the earnest solicitation of a number of 
the prominent men of Bellefonte and vicinity, a private banking- 
house was established by four individuals, namely: A. G. Curtin, 
H. N. McAllister, J. T. Hale and E. (,-. Humes, under the style and 
title of " Humes, McAllister, Hale c^ Go." The three first named 
were at this time leading members of the bar, and active practi- 
tioners in the line of their profession, wliile the latter was entraa-ed 
in mei'cantile [)ursuits. Having had little or no experience in 
hanking it was thought best by th(!se gentlemen to secure the 



56 ixDusTRiEs AND rxsmiTTroNs 

serviceti of ii man wltli a thoruiigh knovvlcdue of the hu<iness to 
conduct the affairs of tlie institution. Such a person was found 
in Mr. W. M. Murray, a gentleman residing in Pittsburg, who 
had previously been emj)loyed in one of the banks of that city, 
and was a brotlier of Jaines B. Murray, cashier of the Exchange 
Bank. Mr. Murray was selected as cashier, which jiosition he held 
for about two years, when he returned to Pittsburg. E. ('. Humes 
was then elected president, and J. P. Harris, who had been employ- 
ed in the bank as a clerk, was apj^oiuted cashier, lender the 
supervision of these officers, in connection with the other members 
of the firm, the business was conducted until the year 18H4, wlien 
the institution was merged into the " Eirst National Bank of 
Bellefonte." 

Owing mainly to the fact that the firm of Humes, McAllister, 
Hale & Co., had considerable prominence abroad, with the rejMita- 
tion of being men of means and character in the comiminity in 
which they lived, tlie house at once took, and ever after maintained, 
a very high grade of credit among the banking institutions of the 
(country. Having made arrangements with three State ])anks of 
issue for the use of their notes to the amount of seventy -five 
thousand dollars, in addition to the deposits, a capital was secure<l 
sufficient for the requirements of business at that period. Tlic 
enterprise proved a successful one, and, it is sai<l, a highly remu- 
nerative one to the parties interested, as subsecpient events \\:\\e 
clearly and manifestly shown. 

THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BELLEFOXTK. 

The First National Bank of Bellefonte, innnber four hundred 
and fifty-nine, w^as organized under \\u' United States National Bank 
Act, on the 8th day of June, 1864, with a paid up capital of fifty 
thousand dollars, the whole of which stock was held by tlie four 
.several members of the late firm of Humes, McAllister, Hale c^^ Co., 
in equal propf)rtion, together with General J. A. Beaver and Athini 
Hoy, who each became owners of several shares. On the 9th of 



OF (^KNTHK COINTY. 57 

JaiiiKirv. l.SHf), the capital wm^ increased to one hnndred lliousand 
dollars, in order, rather, that a lariier atnonnt of circnlation miulit 
l)e obtained from the dejiartnieni, than ibi- any other purpose, the 
stock heiny- taken hv the same parties in the pro])ortion in which 
they severally held it previously. None (tf tlie stock has ever iieen 
sold nor offered iu the market, because of the succe-s of the business 
from the commencement; and while investments iu this direction 
are now considenMl precarious by many, it is believe(l this stock, if 
for sale, would command a vei'y handsome j)remiuin upon the jjar 
vahu'. Tt has ever been the aim and ])urpose of the officers and 
board of directors to accommodate the community to the full extent 
of their power, in tlie exercise of a sound discretion, and thus 
pi'omote the general welfare so far as they could consistently with 
their duty to the stockholders. As a consequence of this course 
the bank has increased in popularity until it has become one of the 
fixed institutions of Centre county, and has long since obtained the 
entire confidence of the citizens. 

Tinder the new organization, in 1864, the board of directors was 
constituted by the election of all the stockholders as members, with 
the exception of Gov. Curtin, who was then in office and necessarily 
absent, to wit: E. C. Humes, H. N. McAllister, J. T. Hale, J. A. 
Beaver and A. Hoy — the number being the least allowed by the 
Act relating to bauks. C)n the decease of Judge Hale, and b(>fore 
the return of Gov. Gurtin, W. P. Humes was elected a member of 
the board in his stead. At the death of H. N. McAllister, which 
occurred in 1873, Gov. Curtin — having returned to Ijellefonte — was 
elected, making tiie re<|uired five mendiers, who have all been 
annually re-elected and constitute the i)resent board of directors, 
namely : E. C. Humes, A. G. Curtin, J. A. Beaver, A. Hoy and 
W. P. Humes. E. C. Humes became president and J. T*. Hai'ris 
cashier at the commencement of the ()])eratioiis of the institution as 
a National Bank, and have so continued to the present time. 
Moses Montgomery and W. P. Humes, both of whom had been 
employed by Humes, McAllister, Hale & Co., — the one as book- 
kee])er and the other as teller — have also continued to act in the 



5^ INDUSTRItS AND INSTITCTK^XS 

same cajjiicities, with the entire approbtition of the board juhI ;i 
high appreciation of their services. Several other young men have 
occasionally heen employed as assistants who are now in other or 
like occupations, among whom may be mentioned as worthy oi' 
notice, Moran Hibler and E. C. Humes, Jr., the former now holding 
an important position in the Exchange Bank at Parker's Landing, 
and the latter in this bank. The list of employees of this institu- 
tion would not be complete without a mention of William Jones, 
the messenger and janitor, who has so faithfully performed the 
duties pertaining to his position for so many years, and who is so 
well known to the business men of Bellefonte as a prom})t and 
efficient collector. 

The building owned and at present occu])ied by tlie bank, was 
erected during the year 1872, at a cost of twenty -five thousand 
dollars, and has been pronounced, by competent judges, superior to 
most bank buildings and inferior to none outside of the larger 
cities, in every thing requisite for a modern banking house. It is 
constructed of Ohio white sandstone, trimmed with Pennsylvania 
brown, with every thing else to correspond, and being located on the 
" diamond," at the corner of High and Allegheny streets, is highly 
ornamental to that part of the town. While the structure presents 
a fine appearance, that which is perhaps more essential has not 
been overlooked and neglected. A vault, the dimensions of which 
are ten by twelve feet in the interior, is placed in the centre of 
the building, and has been constructed after the most approved 
manner without regard to expense. The stone foundation and side 
walls are interlaced with wrought iron bars, connected liy bolts, 
and the inside lined with extra heavy boiler plate iron, making il 
completely fire proof in the event of the destruction of the buildiiig 
bv fii'e. Witiiin the vault is placed a burglar pr(M)f safe, manfactui-- 
ed bv Hall A Co., of Cincinnati, at a cost of two thousand five 
hundred dollars. To this safe is attached a "Yale time clock," the 
l)rice of which was four hundred dollars, and which, on being closed 
in the evening, can be opened only in the morning of the following 
day, and that by its own working, with the accuracy of the best 



OK ( 'ION TIM': COUN'I'Y. ^)9 

lime piecoti, so tluit no access can by any means l)e liad to the 
interior of the safe until tlie hour for opening' has arrived. In liict, 
advantage has been taken of all the appliances of modern times, to 
make it as safe a depository as the iugeiuiity of man could devise. 

THE CENTRE COUNTY BANK. 

'riu> Centre County Baidving Company was formed in 1<SG8, under 
articles of agreement setting ibrth the object, by fourteen individuals, 
who became stockholders to the amount of their several subscrip- 
tions, a[)pi)rtioned as follows : McAllister and Beaver fourteen 
thousand dollars ; A. G. Curtin, James Milliken and E. C. Humes 
nine thousand each ; H. Brockerhotf five thousand ; J. P. llari'is 
four thousand five hundred ; P. B. Wilson and J. T. Hoover four 
thousand each ; Adam Hoy three thousand five hundred ; C. Curtin 
three thousand ; W. P. Wilson two thousand five hundred ; J. D. 
Shugert two thousand ; F. S. Wilson one thousand five hundred — 
making a total of seventy-one thousand dollars. 

One of the conditions of the co-partnership was, that no stock- 
holder should have the privilege of disposing of his stock to any 
other individual without the consent of all, nor of ])ledging the 
same for any purpose whatever. 

At a meeting of the stockholders a board of directors was elected, 
consisting of H. Brock(>rhoff', J. A. Beaver, A. Hoy, J. P. Harris 
and P. B. Wilson, who have annually been re-elected, and with C. 
Curtin, who was subsecpiently added, constitute the present board. 
H. BrockerhofT was a])poin{ed ])resident, J. I). Shugert cashier, John 
Kurtz teller, and Charles Cook book-keeper. On the retirement of 
Mr. BrockerhofT, (len. J. A. ]>eav(>r was elected president. 

1)1 1859, two years after Humes, McAllister, Hale &: Co. com- 
menced operations, a banking house was estal)lished in Bellefonte 
by W. F. Reynolds and (tco. W. Jackson, under the style and title 
of Wm. F. Reynolds & Co. This house and also the Centre County 
Bank, from their inception to th(> present day, have always been 
regarded at hom(! and abroad as entitled to the; highest grade of 



(id INDUSTRIKS AND INSTITUTIONS 

credit. And as a consequence their financial operations have been 
on an extensive scale, and all their transactions have been conducted 
on the strictest hanking principles — with capital entirely sufficient 
for all their legitimate purposes. In amount of business the}^ com- 
pare favorably with that of any other houses in the interior of the 
State, and in point of reliability are in every way worthy of the 
confidence of the entire community — each being represented by 
individuals possessed of means greatly beyond their requirements, 
and being individually responsible for the liabilities of their institu- 
tions, make them perfectly trastworthy. 

OTHER BANKS. 

The foregoing comprise all the banking institutions, incorporated 
and unincorporated, which have been in oj^eration in Bellefonte ; a 
number, however, have existed within the limits of the county, all 
of which are deserving of notice in this review. 

Two houses were formed in the borough of Philipsburg. The 
first organized by a party of gentlemen under the name of " Foster. 
Perks, Wright & Co.," — afterward changed to that of " McGirk & 
Perks," and finanally closed in 1876. The " Philipsburg Banking 
Company " has been doing business for several years past, and is 
now conducted by O. P. Jones, cashier, a banker of experience, with 
great satisfaction to the community in which it is located. The 
president in Jonathan Boy n ton. 

Moses Thompson, with his two sons, and Rob't McFai'lane, under 
the title of Thompson, McFarlane & Co., opened a banking house 
at Lemont in 1868, which they continued until the retirement of 
Mr. McFarlane, ai'ter which the name was changed to J. I. Thomp- 
son & Co., and the business continued till 1S77, wlien they declined 
receiving further deposits, preferring to engage in other pursuits. 

The banking house of J. C. Motz & Co., located at Millheim, in 
the eastern part of the county, was established in 1872, with J. C. 
Motz president, and A. Walter cashier, and it is believed is well 
entitled to the high reputation it has (!ver enjoyed. 



or (MONTRK COUNTY. Ii) 

The (Uilv n'luniiiiiit:' institution established in rentre connty for 
hiinkina: purposes, is the " Ponn's Valley Bankintr Conipany," at 
Centre Hall, of which Wni. Wolf is president, and W. B. Mingle 
cashier. The stockholders comprising the firm are, in addition to 
the officers named, James A. Beaver, John P. Harris and Daniel 
Hess, who are all substantial, responsible men, giving great strength 
to the house in which they are interested. From a moderate begin- 
ning some years ago, under prudent and judicious management, this 
institution has prospered beyond expectations, and to-day ranks 
among the most successful business houses of the county. The 
company have about completed the erection of a building, corres- 
]>onding with their increased business, which is highly creditable to 
the place, and such as will give additional facilities for the transac- 
tion of their affairs, as well as promote the w-ellfare and security of 
depositors. 



^'^ (M)rsTi:n> asd ixsTrrrTio^.- 



THE IRON INTERESTS. 



By ROBERT VALENTINE, Esq. 



EAR J A' OPFALiTIoys, A:,-. 

f|iS early as the year 17()!>, tlic dcsiiv tor new and rlioice lands 
I had led a hand ot hardy pioneers and land hunters to push u[) 
rjlte the Bald Eagle ereek into \vhat ^vas then an almost uiicx" 
plored wilderness!, inhahited hy Indians, \volve>, panthci-s and 
rattlesnakes; whieh is now the rich, fertile and hcautithi countN- of 
Centre. These early ex])lorers made their way tlii-ouuh the gap.- of 
the Mnncy and Nittany inonntains into I'enn's valley, wlui'c thcv 
erected a rude stockade fort, as a defense against the Indians, and 
named it Potter's Fort, after (len. James Potter, tlu' leadei' of the 
expedition. These early settlers, about the beginning of the Pevo- 
lutionary war, were driven from their settlements by incursion,- of 
hostile savages. Little progress was made in the settlement of the 
country until after the war was over. When [)eace was resloi'ed 
renewed activity was manifested, and by the aid of capital, obtained 
in Philadelphia and other eastern cities, nearly all the land in what 
is now Centre county was surveyed, ami ])ureliased from the State. 
This was accomplished betw^een the years 178(1 and 17!)(i. IFei'e 
and there, where a huge forest tree had been blown down and iiie 
ground torn up to the depth of a tew feel, or where in some carl\ 
elearing the ])lougli had piei-ced tlu' soil, the shai-p e\es of these 



oi- cicntim: corxTY. ()3 

vAr]y cxploi-crs (liscrnKvl the ci'oppiiiLis of (Inrk ml di-cs i.i' ii-on. 
wliich wci-c, ill riiiic to (•(.nic, to |ii-(ivc :i sdurccof wcaltli to Liciicrn- 
llons then iiiilxu'ii. 

Alx.iit tlic year 1792, ("ol. John I'atton, an ofiircr of tlic lu'voln- 
tionai-y war, crccti'd on Sprinii' ci-cek, al)oiit r\<r\\t miles tVoni 
I'x'llcioiitc, the tii-st blast fui-nacc in Centre coiintv. It was called 
Centre fnrnaee. The yeai- at'tci-, (renei'al Phili|) IJennei' put into 
operation lioek forge, on the same sti-eani, and afterwai'd huilt a 
fui-naee and a slitting mill near the forge, in 1 7i)(), JNfiles, Dnnlop 
tV Co. stai-ted Harmony forge. The next fni-nace was Logan, hnilt 
by Bogus c'(" Royer on Logan's braiieli of S])ring ci'eek, in 1<S()0. 
Tliis fnrnaee was afterward earrii'd on by .lolm Dnnlop, who also 
eonnecte 1 ^vith it a forge on the same .stream, about one-foui-th of a 
mile from Bellefonte. Roland Curtin, who was the third shei-itf of 
Centre county, erected, about 1807, a forge on }^)ald Eao-le creek. 
Ten yeai-s later, hv built a blast furnace, and finally, in 182.S, added 
a rolling mill, which was the second one built in the county. These 
pioneer establishments were soon followed by others. Hanbnan 
Philips, a wealthy Englishman, whose ideas were fai- in advance of 
his age, built a forge and a screw factory at Phili])sl)ni-g, bevond the 
Allegheny mountains. In 1H8(), there were in o])ei-ation, in Centre 
comity, Hannah furnace, owned by (leo. McCnlloch and Lvon, 
Shorl) i^' Co.; Martha furnace, owned by R. Curtin; Julian 
furnace, owned by John Adams; Centre furnace, i\rilesl)ui-g forges 
and rolling mill, owned by Gen. James Irvin ; Eagle furnace, forye 
and rolling mill, owned by Roland Curtin ; Logan furnace, foroes, 
rolling mill and imil factory, owned by Valentines c\: 'Hiomas; Rock 
furnace and forge, owned by heirs of General Kennei- ; Heela and 
.A[ill Hall furnaces, owned by John Mitchell cV Co.; Howard 
furnaces, owned by Jos. Harris iV' Co.; and Washington fui-nace, 
owned by A. Henderson. The last named works are now in 
Clinton county. The aggregate anmnd i)roduction of these works 
was, at the period referred to, about twelve thousand tons of {)ig 
metal, forty -five hundred tons of blooms and twenty-five hundi-ed 
tons of bar and rod iron and nails. 



B4 INDISTKIKS AND INsTITt TIO.VS 

111 these, our days of railways and telegraj)lis, it is liai-d to I'ealizc 
the obstacles which the early makers of iron were oliliijed to over- 
come. Coming into an almost unbroken wilderness, witli the nearest 
settlements far down th(> Susquehanna, or over steep and rugged 
mountains on the Juniata river, where roads were yet unthought of, 
everything they re(juir-ed liad to be transported either on flat-boats 
pushed up the Bahl Eagle creek, or in wagons, and at first on paclc 
horses over blin<l mountain paths. Roads had to be cut through 
the forests, dams must be built upon the streams, and water-wheels 
and blowing machinery for the furnaces and forges must somehow 
be constructed and })ut in motion before even a beginning couhl Ik- 
made. Then came tiie mining and hauling of the ore, wood must be 
chopped through the winter, an<l all through the summer time 
converted into charcoal, of v.hich a stock sufficient to last until the 
ensuing spring must be ti-ansjjorted to the furnace. At last, when 
all this had been accomplished, and the molten metal gushed irom 
the furnace hearth, and was converted in the f()rg(>s into wrought 
iron and drawn under the hammers into bars ready for the smith, 
then came the (juestion of finding a market and the transportation 
t)f the iron. 

While the rich limestone valleys of ('(>ntre county were being 
slowly occupied by a sparse and scanty ])opulatiou, Pittsburg was 
growing into a city; and the region west of the Allegheny moun- 
tains was producing a surplus of grain, beef and pork, but as yet 
no iron had been manufactured in that section of the country. 
For this most indispensable of the metals, therefore, the population 
were dependent upon the furnaces and forges of C'Cntre and Muu- 
tingdon counties, or, as it was then called, the Juniata region. At 
that time the only road over the nnjuntains was that which had 
been made by General Braddock for his disastrous expedition 
against the French and Indians at Fort DuQuesne. Under tlusi' 
conditions the only resource of the Centre county iron men wa- 
transportation on pack horses over the Indian paths. Tradition 
relates that General Philip Benner used this method for several 
vears in carrvinu- his iron bars from the Rock Iron Works to the 



OK CKN'rinC COl.N'l'Y. I).') 

wi'stcni uiarkcts. Later, attci' the gveni turnpike rDad was iiiadt', 
the ii-dii was hauled on sh'ds and waii'ons to the head watei's of tlie 
( 'oiieinauiih, and tlienee floated on arks or Hat boats far down the 
Ohio rivei-, till it met a proHtable mai'ket at Louisville, Kentnekv. 
Within the reeolli'ction of the writer, most of the iron made in this 
county was floated in rude arks down the P>ald Kayle creek, and so 
hy the ^^'c>st Branch of the Sus(|Uchanna to I'ort Deposit, where, 
reloaded upon sloop or steamer, it reached at last the warehouses of 
Philatlelpiiia and I>altiniore. This mode of ti-ans])ortation, as niav 
well he imauined, was neither safe nor certain, and ma)iv an ark 
load of iron went to tlie bottom of tlu' roekv river; sonu'times to be 
recovert'd at low water, and sometimes a total loss. Then came tiie 
slow, but sure, canal, by which a carti'o of iron could be carried to 
I*hiladel])hia in about twice as many days as would now be required 
to deliver it on the wharves of Liverpool, England. But now, in 
this day of progrc'ss and steam, the iron product is loaded on cars 
at the doors of the mills and in a few days may be in the hands of 
the consumer a thousand miles away. 

QUALITY OF ORE AND IRON. 

The ores from which the Centre county iron is manufactured are 
principally hematites; chemically, hydrated sesqui oxides of iron, 
yielding on an average from fifty-six to sixty per cent, of metallic 
iron, by analysis, and practically, in the blast furnace, about one 
ton of pig metal to a fraction over two tolls of clean oi'c. The only 
impurities contained are a slight percentage of silica and phos- 
|)horus, and in some a trace of manganese. The larger proportion 
of these ores are found in " pockets " rather than in regular veins, 
and are often so mixed with th(> limestone clays as to n(>ces.«itate 
th(^ii- se])aration from them before they ai'e ready for the furnace. 
In former years the method generally pursued for this separation 
was that of dry screening. The ore, mined principally in open 
cuts, was taken out mixed w-ith the earth and spread upon levels oi- 
floors, over which, when drv, heavv cast iron breakers were dragtred 



(i(l INDrSTUri'JH AXT) rXSTITfTIOXS 

l)v !iui-s('-])()\vt'r, thus hi'caking up and pulvcriziuii; the lumps of clay ; 
it Ava.^ tlu'ii shaken by hand in screens suspended hctAveen upright 
posts, tluis separating the dust from the ores. 

This })l.an, however, was very sh)W and tedious, and could only 
be pursued in favorable weather. About thirty-five years since a 
washing machine was introduced, which consisted of a shaft uj)oii 
which were fastened cast iron fiat teeth, placed at intervals, and 
acting as a screw when the machine was in operation. This shaft is 
made to revolve horizontally in a trough or foi-e-bay, kei)t constantly 
full of watci', so thai ihc ore to bf cleaned, lieiug thrown in at one 
end of the trough, is kept eanstantly stirred through the water by 
the teeth of the machine, and at the same time made to move 
graduallv toward tlu' opjxisite end of tiie trough, where it is finally 
discharged clean and ready for use. This machine was first put in 
operation at the works of Valentines*.^ Thomas, (being the inven- 
tion of a member of the firm.) ()wing to the fact that in tlie 
limestone vallevs, whence the ores are pi'incipally obtained, no 
spi'ings or running streams of water are to be found, the washii:g 
machines were generally placed at the iron works, whither the un- 
washed ores had to be hauled, thus entailing u})on the manufacturer 
a heavy cost for transportation of useless clay. This difficulty was 
obviated to some extent by the erection, at the mines, of machines 
propelled by horse-powei', and dependent for a supply of water 
upon the rains filling up ponds and old excavations. This method 
was, however, unc<'rtain ; the supplies of water so obtained being 
scanty and soon exhausted. Many phices where ore was formei'ly 
mined in large (juantities, and whicli were still rich in iron, wei'e 
abandoned on account of the difficulty in cleaning the ore, and it 
began to ap|iear doubtful whethei' a sufficient supplv of ore could 
be procured to keej) all the furnaces in operation. At this time 
the great oil discoveries in Western Pennsvlvania, sugiiested the 
idea of the ai-tesian well. This was soon acted upon ; water was 
obtained in abundance wherever it was needed, and now, all over 
Nittany N'alU'y, tall deri'icks may be seen, whei'c powerful steam 
washing' machines are turuinu' out thousands of Ions of clean ore of 



oi' cioxTui: corx'iY. liT 

the Hiu'st (|ii;ility, tVoin mines lon^: since ;ii);iiiili>ne(l liv tlie ])i-e(le- 
cessors of the prest'nl operators. Whilst in the anthracite and 
liituniinons coal ret;'i"iis the niannliiciiii'e of iron with mineral coal 
iuis uTown so \ast as to riviil the world's prodnetion, ('entrt' eonntw 
seeking- nitlier to excel in the ((Uiility than in (piantitv of iron pro- 
duced, has u'one on in llie old ti'ack, woi-kinii' her ores with cliarcoal 
tlirouii'hout : and though Pittshni'u'. once dependenl npon thi> di>- 
ti-ict for most of hei' iron, lias now liecome a i^rand centi'e of ii'on 
manufacture, the old Juniata ii-on of < 'entre still ci'osscs the moun- 
tains as of yore, and finds almost as i-eadv a -^ale, for special 
pu r])()ses, as it used to seventy years aiio. 

The charcoal blast furnaces of (Vntre county are, in comparison 
with the ureat anthracite and coko furnaces, very small atiiiirs. 
Tlu'y are Lieiu-rally built from thirty-two to forty feet in lieiuht, 
and from eiuht to nine feet wide at the boslies. Thev produce tfom 
fifty to seventy tons of pia metal per week, and consume on an 
avt'rau'e from two to two and a half tons of ore, and from one 
hundred and ten to one hundred and fifty bushels of charcoal to 
the ton of ])ia- metal. In the early days of iron manufiictui'e, when 
nearly the whole countiw was covered with the viriiin forest, it was 
an easy matter to proeui'e charcoal for all the iron establishments; 
but as time went on, and the forest fell before the axe, it had to lie 
brought from lii-eater and greater distances, until at the pi-esent (h\\ 
some of the furnaces are supplied from timber regions tAveuty to 
thirty miles away. Fortunately, tlu^ close jiroximity of the moun- 
tainous country, where much of the land is good foi' little but the 
growth of Avood, and its accessibility by rail promise the iron-mastei- 
of Centre county an ani|)l(^ su})i)ly of fuel for at least another gene- 
ration. Thongh the process of manufacturing iron with charcoal, 
a- pursued in this county, is older than history, yet down to the 
present time no other nu^thod has been deviseij that will produce an 
article i)ossessing the special ((ualities which distinguish this kind of 
iron from that made by other and chea])er pr<)ees.<es. Foi- boilei- 
plate, fine wire, hors(> shoe nails, scythes, shovels, hoes, vxl^e tools, 
and inimerons other purpose,-, the best (-entre countv ii'on is adnnr- 



(58 INI)U8TRII> AND IXsTITl'I'Ii )NS 

ably adapti'd and lias no competitor in the market, except the high 
priced and excellent article, manufactured in Sweden and Norway, 
t'roni the rich, j)ure oreis for which those countries have a world- 
wide reputation. Hence, for )iearly eijj^hty years, through all the 
vicissitudes of business — now cast down by old time free trade 
experiments and foreign competition, and again uplifted by protec- 
tion — our manufacture has steadily held its own, and is to-day one 
of the leading interests of the county, giving employment to many 
liundreds of her pe()j)le, and affording an unfailing and profitable 
market for the produce of her farms. 

PR ( 'ESS OF MAX I FA ( '77 JUJ. 

We would here bi'ietly descril)e the j)rocess of manufactui-e, 
showing the changes that take j)lace and the results that follow; and 
with some references to our ])rominent iron manufacturers of the 
])ast and present time the space allotted to this article' will be filled. 
The smelting process, or conversion of the ore into what is known as 
cast iron or pig metal, is as follows: The blast furnace being filled 
from the hearth to the top, or tunnel head, with alternate lavers of 
charcoal and ore, the charcoal is ignited and a powerful blast 
applied. The combustion of the charcoal produces carbonic oxide 
gas, being a combination of carbon and oxygen in equal proportions. 
This gas is forced by the blast uj) through the mass of charcoal and 
ore, till, coming in contact w'ith air at the top of the furnace, it takes 
fire and [)a.sses off in a continuous flame. The carbon of this gas, 
acting upon the ore, (which in the upper part of the furnace has 
become heated to a temperature at which it is most readily decom- 
posed), combines with the oxygen contained in the ore, thus reducing 
it to the condition of impure wrought or bar iron. Nearly at the 
same time, the iron in this condition takes up, and combines with, a 
certain proportion of carbon, which replaces the oxygen it had lost, 
and is converted into what is called, in the language of chemistry, a 
carbonate of iron, and technically known as cast iron or pig metal. 
In this state it is easily fused, and passing downward till it meets 



OF cicNTKi': corxTv. t;*) 

llu' lilnsl :it llic tuyeres, it melts and fiillsdown as a fluid, to the 
l)utt(>iii (if the hearth, or enieihle. of the furnace, where it eontinuallv 
aeeunndates. When this erueihle hecomes fi]l(>d with fluid metal, 
an o|ieninu- i-alled the notch, which is kept sto])]ie(l nj) with fire-clav 
while the hearth is tillini:', is pierced witli a shaj'p iron har. and the 
molten metal flows out into moulds oi' channels, made in a hed of 
sand or ore (hist prepared for its reception. Meanwhile, the furnace 
is kept filled, oi- charii-ed, with oi-e and coal ihi-owii in at the liinnel 
head, and so the oj)eration u'oes on, <lav and uidil. i'oi- vears. 

The ui'Xt step in the mamifacture is to convei-l the carhouate of 
iron into what i> pMierally called wronuht or har iron, which is iron 
that, sepai-ated from cai'hon and some othei' impurities, <'an no lonu^M- 
1)0 readily reduced to a fluid condition, hul when heated to a wh] 
<ii- white heat, may he hammered, I'olled or welded, and so wrouaht 
into any shape desired This conversion from pio' metal into wrouiiht 
iron is effected in a (iua(lrau<>ular hearth or tire formed of cast iron 
I»lates, and operated hy one or two tny(>res or l)low j)i])es. The 
tuyere plates of this hearth ai'e sliditly inclined inward, and the 
hack plate outward, while the front is vertical. The hottom of this 
hearth being covered with charcoal, above it is piled a charae of pio- 
metal varying in weight from two hundred and fiftv to two hundred 
and eighty i)oiin(ls. When the charcoal has lieen tired, a blast, at a 
pressure of about one and a half pounds to the s(iuare inch, is 
applied, producing a heat sufficient to melt the ch.-irge of metal, 
which flows down through the charcoal to the bottom of the fire. 
As the melted metal flows past the blast it is partiallv oxidized, and 
the oxide thus foi-nied, together with the melted slao- or oxide 
remaining from previous operations, assists in decarlxmizing the 
metal. The workman now i-aises the partially refined iron from the 
bottom, bringing it re])eated]y in contact with the blast at the 
tnyei-es, until the oxygen of the aii', combining with the carbon of 
the pig metal, cari-ies it off as carbonic oxide, at the same time 
h'aving in the slag or cinder, which, at a cei'tain stai^-e of the 
pro<'ess, is tai)pe(l and drawn off from the hearth, most of the 
silica, phosphorus au<l other impurities that are generally combined 



70 INDUSTRIES ANr> JiVsTlTUTlONS 

with the iron. By tliis operation, tlie "charge," or (|iiantity under 
treatment, i.4 brought to a tough, niaOeable nia.^s of wrought, or, as 
it is called by the workmen, " natured " iron. Finally, this mass 
of natured iron is a second time raised and brought re}>eatedly in 
contact witli the blast. The oxygen then begins to combine with, 
or, in other words, l)ui'n up a portion of this mass of iron, j)roducing 
more oxide ov slag, and in so cond)ining gives out a heat so great as 
to bring the ii'on into a semi-fluifl condition, in which it drops down 
.somewhat like melted sealing wax, cementing into a lumj) or mass 
in the botcom of the tire. This is the last opei-ation, and this 
cgmented mass, or " loup," as it is called, is taken to the hammer 
and reduced to a shape suitable for being rolled in the rolling mill, 
into bars, rods, plates, or whatever shape may be desired. During 
this cementation, or "sinking process," (as it is commonly called )> 
the iron has recombined -^with a minute portion of. carbon, and has 
undergone certain molecular changes from a fibrous to a crystalline 
structure, having in fact become essentially a low sieel. In this 
particular it differs materially froui iron made by the puddling 
process with mineral coals, which, though well adapted for general 
use, is unfit for many special purposes which reqiiin' iron made with 
charcoal by the process described. 

EARL Y OPERA TORS. 

Recalling some of the names most prominent in the early estab- 
lishment and development of the iron interests of Centre county, 
General Sanuiel Miles of Cheltenham, Montgomt'ry covuity, appears 
among the earliest pioneers. After doing g(»od service to his coun- 
trv in the revolutionai-y war, he emigrated to what was then a part 
of Northumberland, now Centre county. Becoming the owner of 
large bodies of ore and timber lands, he joined with Colonel John 
Patton in building old Centre Furnace, on S])ring creek, the first 
iron establishment in the county. He was also the founder of 
Milesburg and of the Milesburg Iron Works, which are now owned 
by the firm of Linn & McCoy, and are still in successful operation. 



OK CKNTHK (X)UNTY. 71 

An anecdote is related of the General, showing that liis interest in 
military matters was stronger than his interest in iron. It seems 
that he had organized a military company called "the Hangers," 
and when on some special occasion he was drilling his company a 
messenger arrived with the news that a ten-ihle forest fire was 
raging near his " coalings," and was likely to destroy his whole 
stock of wood. His cool reply to the excited messengers was, " (Jo 
back, boys, and do the best you can, I wont leave the rangers." 
The iron works established by (general Miles were, for some time 
after his death, carried on by his sons, afterward by Irvin cV 
Huston, then l)y (Teneral Trvin and Moses Thompson, and Hnally 
passed into the hands of Messrs. McCoy it Linn, the present owners. 
Jno. Mitchell, anothor of the early pioneers, a great surveyor, and a 
mighty hunter of the panther, was a man of great natural ability 
and considerable culture. He represented his district in Congress 
for a number of years, and was the builder of Hecla and Mill Hall 
furnaces. Gen. Phili}) Benner, of Chester county, who had been with 
General Wayne at the battle of Paoli, a man of indomitable energy 
and perseverence, came to the county in 1794, and built the Rock 
iron works, about five miles from Bellefonte. These works were 
carried on successfully by General Benner until the time of his 
death, and many years afterward by his heirs, but the property 
finally passed into other hands and the iron works were abandoned. 
Mr. Jno. Dunlop, the founder of the present Bellefonte Iron Works, 
was among the most active and energetic of the early iron-masters 
of Centre county. As early as 1806-7 he was carrying on Logan 
Furnace, Bellefonte Forge, Harmony Forge and Washington Fur- 
nace. In 1815, while yet in the prime of life and actively engaged 
in the business, he was unfortunately killed by the caving in of a 
bank of earth at one of his ore mines. Roland (\irtin, an Irish 
gentleman of superior education, and who narrowly escaped with 
his life from Paris, while at college there, during the reign of terror, 
settled in Centre county about the year 1797. In 1807 he built a 
forge on Bald Eagle creek, and afterward several furnaces, finally 
another forge, furnace and rolling mill, now called the Eagle Iron 



fXf)[ STKtKS AND f.VsTrTCTfo.V.- 



Work?;. He wa.-^ actively ciiuaii^c'd in tlir iron l)usin^'^s for many 
vears, and liis works art' still owned an<l snccessfnlly operated l)y 
the tliii-d li'eneration of his descendants, Tlie \'alentii;e lirothei-s 
and William A. Thomas, who had previously heeii en_ua<:-e<l in the 
iron business in New Jersey and Maryland, settled in C'enti-e county 
in 181;"), They first leased and afterward ])ur<'hased the Lo^an F'ur- 
naee and Bellefonte For<i-e jjrojx'rties, which, owina' to the sudden 
death of Mr. Dunio]), were sold l)y his administrators to Valentines 
and Thomas, who soon after built ad<litional foj-aes, and in 1<S24 
built the tirst i-ollinu- mill in Centi'e county. In l'S42 the oriiiinal 
Logan furnace was ai)aiidoned as beiuL; too far away from the cha)-- 
coal, and a new blast fui'nace was erected on the Foru'e ])roperty. 
just outsi(h' of the borough of l^x'llefonte. .\bram S. Valentine, of 
this firm, was the inventor of the ore washing machine now in 
general use, the adoption of which has efiected a revolution in tlu' 
ore mining of tliis region. 

The firm of Valentines iK: Thomas was dissolved in IS.")!) by the 
retirement of the original members from business, and a new firm 
was formed bv the sons of the original members of the old firm, 
who associated with them M. T. Milliken, who had learned the 
business with thi' old tirm of Valentines tl' Tlioma-. Mr. Milliken 
was actively engaged in and favorably known in connection with 
tlie ii'on business from boyhood until his deatii in ISTI. In 1<S.)() 
the Bellefonte Iron Works were ])roducing aboiir twt-lve to fourteen 
hundred tons of pig inetal and about eight or nine hundred tons of 
finished iron annually. Their [u'esent yearly product, under the 
firm of Valentine c^' Co., [this is composed of Jacob, Robert, Abram 
and George Valentiiu', sons of the old proprietors,"] is threi- thou- 
sand tons of pig metal and two thousand tons of linished iron. 

The name of (reneral James Irvin, though appt-aring later in the 
history of Centre county iron, is not the less desei'ving of a promi- 
nent place. Engaged in early life in the business of mei-chandising 
and milling, he afterwards sought a wider field fir his abilities, and 
buying an interest in (Jentre furnace, ^filesbnrg forges and roll- 
in<i' mill, and TTecIa furnace, he became one of the most extensive' 



nV CKXTK'); CorX'lY. 



iiKiiiviiiictui'cis oi' iron in tlu' cduntN. In tlicsc varions cnrcviu-i.-cs lie 
was fairly successful, and during the disastrous period of depression, 
whicli, he»iiininu- in 18;V7, continued for more tlian live years, he 
took an active pai'I in politics, which at that ilav meant a protective 
tariff, and hecomini: tlie slandai'd heai'cr of the tariti' AN'liiL; party, 
he was sent in l'S4() and l'S41 to repi-eseiit hi> di.-trict in the 
National (\)nti-ivss. 1 )isplavin*:\ in his new spliei'c, tlie same ener<>y 
tlial had caused his succi'ss in ihe iron business, he took an active 
pai'! in what was theu tlie all im])ortant (juestion of a revision and 
alteration of the free trade svstem, which was ruininu- the iron husi- 
ness of Pennsylvania. Devotini;' his Itest eff()rts to this subject he 
was largely instrumental in ])i-ocurin!i' the passap of the tui'iH' l)ill 
of lfS42, which gave new life to the di-oopiug industries of his native 
State. After rendering tins good service on the floor of ( 'ongi-ess, 
lie returned to active business at home, aiid, some years later, asso- 
ciating with himseli' his lii'other-in-law. Moses Thompson, with other 
partners, took ])art in still wider operations, becoming owner of 
Martha, .Julian, ^Fill creek and other funiaees in Centi'e and Hun- 
tingdon counties. He died in 18H0, leaviug the Milesburg Iron 
Woi'ks to pass into the hands of Messrs. Thompson, Linn t^' McCoy, 
with whom he iiad lieen associated in business for a uuiidier of years 
before hi.s death. 

Keviewiug the field of iron operations for a period of twenty 
3^ears w'e find a number of valuable improvements by which the 
production of the iron works have been largely increased. The 
adaptation of the artesian well for obtaining water for washing the 
ore in the springless region of Nittany Valley, which was first 
inti'oduced bv the present Messrs. \'alentines >ome ten years ago, 
has more than (juadi'U|)li'd the amount oi' ore that could be obtained 
before its introduction, and has given new life to the iron interests 
of tlu' county. In fact, at some of the furnaces the production at 
the pn'sent time ( 1877 ) is more than doidile that oi' twenty yeai's 
since, with a fair jirospect of much greater development when the 
general bu.siness of the country shall have rt'covered from the de- 
pri'ssion of the last four y^'i^i"'^- Quite recently the same firm has 



74 INDUSTRIES AN1> INSTITUTIONS 

adopted the manufacture of charcoal in kihis, instead of pits or 
hearths, as was formerly done. By locating these kilns along the 
streams that flow through the great forests of the Alleghany moun- 
tains, and at points near to the railroads, they are enable 1, by 
floating the wood down these streams to the kilns, to obtain access 
to an almost unlimited amount of timber for charcoal purjjoses, 
thus dispensing with the heavy wagons and teams, which have here- 
tofore been among the most costly items in general outlay necessary 
for operating charcoal iron works. 

The iron w^orks now in operation in Centre county are as follows : 
Milesburg furnace, forges, rolling mill and wire factory ; Eagle fur- 
nace, forges and rolling mill ; Howard furnace and rolling mill ; 
Bellefonte Iron Works — furnace, forges and rolling mill, and pro- 
ducing annually about eight thousand tons of pig metal and about 
six thousand tons of bar, rod, plate iron and wire, bringing every 
year into the county half a million of dollars in payment, which 
being mostly expended at home, remains among the people, and is 
added to the permanent wealth of the county. 

At some future period, we hope not very far distant, when the 
bituminous coal of Centre county shall be used in smelting the 
large bodies of ore now known, as well as those yet to be discovered, 
we may look hopefully forward to the time when Centre county 
shall rival in the quantity of her iron, as she now does in the 
quality of it, any district in our great State of Pennsylvania. 



OK CKNTKK (K)l/NTY. 



SKETCH OF NEWSPAPERS. 



By JOHN T. JOHNSTON, Esq. 



■ 



PAPERS OF BELLEFONTE. 

N giving a history of the ditferent newspapers published in 
Centre county, from its foundation up to the present time, we 

|T have found great difficulty in obtaining names of papers and 
pid)lishers, as well as the time of their being established. 

The first pap3r published in the county was about the year 1810, 
l)ut we liave not been able to ascertain eithe)- the name of the paper 
or that of the publisher. 

The American Patriot. — This is the first paper we could get 
any record of, and from the first number of which we make the 
following note: Vol. 1, No. 1, Saturday, 5th February, 1814 — pub- 
lished at Bellefonte, Pa., by Alexander Hamilton, "next door south 
of the Bank." The old Centre Bank was located in the house now 
occupied by Mrs. Eliza Curtin, corner of Allegheny and Howard 
streets. 

The Bellefonte Patriot. — Vol. 1, No. 1, Monday, 7th May, 
1818— published by William Brindle. Vol. 4, No. 1, Saturday, 
12th May, 1821— published by Henry Petriken. Vol. 7, No. 1, 
Wednesday, 3d December, 1823— published l)y Thos. I. Petriken. 
This paper was again published by Henry Petriken about the year 
1828, and on until about the year 1832, when Mr. Petriken was 



7() INDISTKIKS AM) IXi^TITTTIONS 

chosen Stute Senatoi'. H. jNIaxwell tiiid P. (t. Butler were at one 
time connected with tliis papei- as publishers, but the exact date 
could not be ascertained. In the year 1835 we tind it |)ublished by 
J. F. McCracken. 

TirK Bi:i>lf;f(>xtI'; Fhke Press. — This paper was ])ublishe(l some- 
time between tlie years IS.')!) and 1840, but we have not been able 
to obtaiij the publisiier's name. 

The Cextke De:m()('i:at. — The fh'iiiorrdf was established some- 
time i)rior to the year l'S27, by (ien. Philip Henner, and fr<mi that 
time uj) to the year 1<S:!4 it was successively ])ublished by Thomas 
Simpson, AVilliam Piatt and dohn Bigler ( since Cxovenior of Cali- 
fornia). In 18;M Hon. S. T. Shugert purchased the Democrat, and 
continued its pul)lication until 1<S44, when it ag-ain changed hands, 
Gen. William H. Blair beconiinu- the publisher and proprietor. In 
1852 Col. James F. Weaver ])urchase(l the paj)er and published it 
until the winter or spring of 1855, then sellint!; to ^l. P. Crosthwaite 
and W. W. Brown. These iicntlemen continued its })ublication 
until the fall of I8(i1, when it went out of existence. The Deinornif 
was the oryan of the Democratic ])arty of Centre county until it 
came into the possession of Crosthwaite iV: l^rown, when it es])oused 
the cause of the American or Know-Nothinsz- party. 

The Democi^wVTK' WnKi.— The publication of this paper was 
commenced, in Belief >nte, about the year 1840, by John K. Shoe- 
maker as editor and ])ublisher, and c(mtiiuied under his manage- 
ment until the summer of 1851. During a portion of this time I. 
B. Gara, now a resident of Erie, Pa., was connected with the Whir/ 
as associate editor. In the year 1851 Mr. Shoemaker entered inti» 
partnershii) with Joim T. Johnston, by which firm the paper was 
publish(>d for two years. In 1858 Mr. Johnston retired, and jNIr. 
Shoemaker continued the publication himself until the spring of 
1855, at which time Mi'. Johnston took sole chai'ge of the paper 
and contimu'd its publication until May, 1858. It was then puh- 
lislied a few months by J. Newton Boyle and Levi Reed, and 
afterwards sold to John G. Kurt/, and merged into the Centra/ 
Prens, a paper then just being starte(l l)y him. The miir/ advocated 



OF CKXTHE COLNTV. ( / 

the })riiu'ii)lcs of the old Wliiir party — afterwards the Free-Soil and 
Republican parties. 

The Democratic Watchman. — This paper was established 
January 1, 1855, by Hon. S. T. Shuji;ert, with Henry Hays and 
Wien Forney as publisliers. After being published by them a few 
years, it ])assed to the control of John T. Hoover, who, in a few 
months, (lisi)i)sed of his interest to S. S. Seeley and B. F'. Hall. Mr. 
Hall's connection with the paper was short, and was followed by 
J. S. liarnhart, who, in connection with Mr. Seeley, published it 
until January, 1<S61. Mr. Seeley then withdrew and Mi". Barnhart 
<-ontinued the publication alone until the following March, when the 
establishment was purchased by 8. T. Shugert, Jno. T. Hoover, Dr. 
Samuel Stroheeker, John Hoffer and ('. T. Alexander, who leased it 
in ^lay of the same year to C. T. Alexander and P. G. Meek. A 
difference of opinion as to the policy of the paper on the war ques- 
tion arising, Mr. Meek withdrew from it tlie followdng August, and 
was succeeded by Joe W. Furey, who, in connection with Mr. 
Alexander, continued the publication until April 1, 1862, at which 
time the half interest owned by Mr. Stroheeker and ^Messrs. Hoffer 
and Alexander was i)urchase(l by P. Gray Meek, who took Mr. 
Alexander's ])laci' in the firm. The paper continued under the 
control of Messrs. Mt'ek tV Furey until October, 18()2, wlien Mr. 
Fnrev withdrew, and ^Ir. Meek pui-chased the interest of Messrs. 
Shugert and Hoover, and l)ecame sole ])roprietor. From that until 
the present time the W(dcJiin<in has 1)een edited and published by 
>[r. Meek. The associate editors, from February 1, iSlid, until the 
present time, were successively as follows: Joe W. Furey, -John P. 
Mitchell. A If. S. Kierolf, Joe W. Furey, Jack L. Spangler, and at 
present doe W. Fun-y. The Wdichmnii is Democratic in politics. 

The ("enti;al Press. — The publication of the Pre-s.s was com- 
menced in Bellefonte .sometime during the summer of 1858, with 
John (i. Kurtz as editor and i)roprietor, and Gen. W. Stover as 
associate i'ditor. The })aper was published under this management 
until about the year 18B7, when it was sold to a lunnber of 
"•entlemen in Bellefonte, and the name changed to that of the 



io INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

Bellefonte National. Tlie Press advocated the })riiiciple.s of the 
Republican party. 

The Beixeponte National. — The National wa^ taken charge 
of by C. B. Gould, of Emporium, Cameron county, Pa., as editor 
and publisher, who continued its publication until some time in the 
winter of 1869 or 1870, when he was succeeded by R. A. Kinsloe, 
who published it a few months, after which it was sold to Captain 
R. B. Barger, and merged into the Bellefonte Republican. The 
National w'as Republican in politics. 

The Bellefonte Republican. — This paper was establislied 
January 6, 1869, by W. W. Brown and A. B. Hutchison under the 
firm name of A. B, Hutchison & Co. On the 8th of June, 1870, 
R. B. Barger purchased the Bellefonte National and consolidated it 
with the Repiihlican, Mr. Hutchison retiring, and the publication 
of the paper continued under the management of R. B. Barger & 
Co., still retaining the old name. Some short time after this the 
paper was enlarged from a four page to a quarto sheet. In Novem- 
ber, 1872, the establishment was sold at slierifi"s sale and purchased 
by James A. Beaver, William P. Wilson, Jolm P. Harris, A. S, 
Valentine, Edmund Blanchard, Daniel Rhoads and William 8hort- 
lidge. After this sale the publication of the paper was suspended 
until January 8, 1873, when it again appeared under the firm name 
of E. T. & R, P. Tuten — Edward T. Tuten as editor, and Robei-t 
P. Tuten as publisher. This management continued until March 1, 
1875, when Robert P. Tuten disposed of his interest in the paper to 
EdAvard T. Tuten, who still continues editor and proprietor. In 
politics it is as its name indicates, Republican in principle, and the 
only paper of that persuasion now published in the county. 

Bkown's Bellefonte Republican. — The publication <»f tl)is 
paper was commenced on the 6th of February, 187o, by Col. W. W. 
Brown, who continued its editor and publisher until July, 1874. 
when the paper went out of existence. A portion of the time Mr. 
Levi A. Miller was connected with the paper, as assistant or local 
editor. ^ It was independent republican in politics. 

The Industrial Advocate.— The fii-st number of the Advocate 



OF (;E>rrRK (K)unty. 79 

was isKSued June 8, 1875, and was edited and published by VV. W, 
Brown. It was in existence only five months, the last nund)er 
being published November 3, 1875. The paper was published in 
the interest of the Junior Sons of '76, a political party in existence 
in this county at that time. 

Bellefonte Press Company. — Some time during the year 1871 
Key. W. T. Wylie, James A. Beaver, Jas. Sommerville and others, 
established a printing office and book bindery, and carried on busi- 
ness under the name above given. The company erected a large 
two-story building near the Car Works, and attached thereto a 
water power, by which the presses of the office were run. There 
were five monthly papers published by this company, as follows : 
In 1871 the Christum Union Work, edited by Rev. W. T. Wylie, 
and managed by R. A. Kinsloe. From 1872 to January, 1876, the 
Union Work, edited by Mr. Wylie and managed by W. D. Bailey. 
At this time the name was changed to that of the Christian Giver, 
which was also edited by Mr. Wylie and managed by Alfred 
Nichols. This company also printed a paper called the Christian 
Temperance Alliance, from October, 1875, to October, 1876, which 
was edited by Rev. D. C. Babcock. The Safe- Guard, edited by 
Rev. R. Crittenden, was the name of another paper j)rinted by this 
company during the years 1873 and 1874. The establishment was 
closed in November, 1876. 

The foregoing is a brief sketch of all the newspapers published 
in Bellefonte up to the present time, as prepared by Mr. Johnston. 
The following sketches of those published elsewhere are furnished 
by othei' persons : 

The Centre Reporter. — This newspaper, published at Centre 
Hall, was established in April, 1868, by Frederick Kurtz, its present 
editor and proprietor, as a seven column weekly. After an exist- 
ence of eighteen months its success warranted an enlargement and 
it was changed to a nine column paper. The editor, Mr. Kurtz, 
was born in York, Pa., December 28, 1833. When eight years old 
he was put to the case and learned type setting, and continued at 
the " art preservative " almost constantly until twenty-five years of 



80 



INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 



age, having, during that period, filled every station in a countr\ 
printing office from " devil " to editor ; and afterward, for several 
months, edited, set the type and did the press work on the Centre 
Berichter, at Aarousburg, upon which ])aper he was engaged from 
tlie fall of 1847 to the siting of 1868, when he went to C'entrc 
Hall to establish the Reporter ; having been obliged to abandon the 
Berichter owing to the meagre support left it by the dying off of the 
(xerman reading ])opulation. With its circulation reduced to a 
very small list, its main sujjjjort was tlie county ])rinting, which was 
insufficient to justify its continuatidu. 

Mr. Kurtz can well lay claim to being the oldest pi-intcr and 
publisher in the county, having served from 1847 to 1877, a i)erio(| 
of thirty-five years, added to his few years printing office service in 
York when a l)oy. The last eighteen years of his t'x])erience has 
been as editor and proprietor. 

In 1860 he was elected to the State legislature, and re-elected the 
following year by an increased majority, running ahead of most of 
the candidates on the ticket 'democratic , a recogin'tion of which he 
may justly feel })rou(l. 

The Millheim Jouknal. — The Mi/Z/wim ./oiiriin/ was establish- 
ed at Aaronsburg, Centre county, January, 1827, by Adam Gentzel, 
who contimied its publication about fifteen years, after which it 
passed into the hands of John Finkel, and was sold by him in a 
few years, to Mr. Gentzel, the founder, remaining in his hands till 
1847, when the office was purchased by Mr. Ludwig Kurtz of York 
county. Mr. Kurtz published the paper under the name of Demo- 
kratiseher Berichter until 1857, when Fred. Kurtz, Esq., the present 
publisher of the Centre Reporter, took charge of and conducted it till 
1868, when he was succeeded by Thomas J. Kister. ^Ii'. Kister was 
soon followed by John M. ^liller, and he by Philij) I). Stover, who 
removed the office to Millheim in 1<S70 or 1871, and sold out to 
George W. Foote in April, 1873. In May, 1876, Mr. Foote sold 
the office, material and good-will, to INIessrs. AValfer and Deiningei-, 
the present jMiblishers. 

This ])apci' has had an cvciitful historv, sometimes pros])erous. 



OF CENTinC COrNTY. -81 

liiir ottcnci' tlu' reverse. Tender the iiiniiagement of the Kiirtzes it 
ohliiiiied, perhaps, the hirgest eireiihition, and the greatest influence 
it ever had. Originally the paper was published entirely in Gor- 
man, an iMiglisli department being first introduced by the Messrs. 
Kui'tz — first a cdlumn, then more, until, und(T a later publisher, it 
l)ecame half I'^nglish and lialf German. Aftei- Mr. Fred. Kurtz 
<|uit its publication the ])a|)er rapidly decreased in circulation. At 
times it seemed on the ])()int of expiring, but was never entirely 
suspended. AN'hen tlie present ])nl)Iishers look charge of the office 
rhev did so with the unflinching deterniinatiou to succeed. They 
accepte<l a mori' modern and local title — Mi//h('l)ii Joiinid/, instead 
of tile old and obsoh'te name of (riifrc J'xrirliicr. 

I'iiiLii'siu'K(; JornXAi,. — The I'li!/l/js/>iiri/ Joiinia/ was estab- 
lislie(l in 1 H(i.S by Kllsworlh A' Dutchcr. The latter, however, re- 
maint'd connectt'd with the ])apei- but a vear or so. On the 1st of 
Mav, l>*7(i, Ellsworth retin-d and was succeeded by David ]Mur])hy, 
■who conducted tlie establishment for something over a year, during 
which time the ofHce was burnt out — a large portion of the material 
being destroyed. Tn July, 1877, the present firm of Bender & Beck 
took possession of the establishment. 

In connection with the history of the newspapers of Centre county 
the following item, taken from the records of the Commissioners' 
office, nught be considered a curiosity at this time: 

" Com. Office, 10th Jan., 1828. 
"Accepted of P. Benner proposal for county printing (including 
'■ all necessary^ printing) fV)r the sum oi' five dollars." 

Quite a contrast with what the county ])rinting mnv costs. 



82 (NDUSTKIES AND INSTITUTIONS 



THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE 
COLLEGE. 



{^Prepared by Members of the present Faculty under the supervision of 
President Calder.] 



^HIS institution had its origin in the efforts of a few thoughtful 
'M1& farmers who earnestly desired to elevate their class by making 
%%<iS them wiser, more intelligent, and therefore, more influential, 
and also to make them better farmers, that " two blades of grass 
might grow where but one grew before." They believed that, in a 
school for the industrial classes manual labor must be combined 
with study in order to maintain habits of bodily exertion, give 
practical knowledge, secure regular exercise, and thus, without 
diminishing ability to study, avoid the physical evils arising from 
sedentary habits and the mental disease of despising those who labor 
with their hands. It was also essential, in their view, that such a 
school should, unlike Yale and Harvard, place thorough scientific 
instruction at rates so low as to be within the reach of the masses. 

The earliest organized action in this behalf was that of the Penn- 
sylvania State Agricultural Society, which, at its second annual 
meeting January 18, 1853, approved a committee report in favor of 
such an institution, and called a State convention with a view to its 
establislijuent. This convention met March 8, 1853, and " with 
an unparalleled unanimity recommended the establishment of a 
" Farmers' High School," appointing a committee to secure a char- 



OF (nCNTKK (XniNTY. 83 

ter and have it carried into effect. The (iharter granted proved 
wholly ino])erative as it provided for a board of trustees, " com- 
posed of the presidents of the county agricultural societies and the 
president and vice [^residents of the State Agricidtural Society," 
and of the unwieldy body so constituted no quorum ever met. A 
second charter, however, was obtained, approved February 22, 1855, 
creating a board of thirteen meml)ers, four of which were cx-officio, 
namely : the Governor, Secretary of the Commonwealth, tlie presi- 
dent of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Society, and the principal of 
the Institution, and nine were elective, the electors being the mem- 
bers of the Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania State Agri- 
cultural Society, together with three representatives duly chosen by 
each county agricultural society of the C/ommonwealth. 

RELATION TO OUR INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS, TO 
THE STA TE AND THE NA TION 

The school was, by the* act of incorporation, entrusted to the 
County and State agricultural societies. To the latter it is indebted 
not only for its fostering care but also for a gift of $10,000 — the 
first funds actually received for the purposes of the institution. 
The State also became a contributor to its building fund, supple- 
menting the donations of other friends by the gift of an equal sum ; 
and, at a later date, it transferred to the College the income arising 
from the National land grant of July 2, 1862. By the amended 
charter of November, 1875, the mechauical, manufacturing and 
mining associations of the State are granted equal rights with the 
agricultural societies in the election of trustees. 

From this brief recital of facts, some of which are presented at 
large elsewhere in this sketch, it is plain that the school, the child 
of the State and of the Nation, was, in its earlier years, under the 
sole guardianshi}) of our fai-mers, but, in recent years, this control 
is shared by associations representing all the various industrial 
interests of the State. The board of trustees, a nuijority of whose 
members are elected by delegates from these societies, is required by 



<S4 rNDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

the organic law so to administer its affiiirs as to attain the ends 
[)roposed by the charter, and at the same time comply with the con- 
ditions imposed on all national schools of science endowed in whole 
or in part by the Act of Congress of July 2, 1862, and the further 
conditions imposed by the Act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, 
approved February 19, 1867. The history of the Institution will 
show that its trustees have served it laboriously, in a self-sacrificing 
sjjirit, and with constant reference to the various interests which it 
was intended to subserve. !^ome of tlie experiments tried have not 
proved successful, but the members of the j)resent board, like their 
predecessors, are desirous to res])ond to every claim which can be 
fairly made of them. Restricted, as they are by the ])rovisi(His of 
the law% they can at present do no more in most of the manual ai'ts 
than give instruction in the principles underlying them. Should 
some wealthy and liberal friend furnish the means, they will rejoice 
to establish shops where the practical applications of mechanics will 
be exhibited, as those of agriculture now ai'e on the farm. Until 
some such provision shall have been made, from resources not now 
available, the College must continue to teach mechanics and mining 
ill rough their principles alone, and such applications as may be 
exhibited in the class-room and the laboratory. 

LOCATION. 

An address to the peojjle of the State was published in Jidy, 1804, 
setting forth the character of the proposed school, and calling on 
ill ' citizens of different sections to offer inducements for its location 
ill their midst. In response to this call proposals to donate farms 
for a site wei'e r(>ceived from persons in Erie, Centre, Blair and 
Fi-anklin counties. Two of these offers, those from Centre and 
Blair counties, w'ere accompanied by [iledges of $10,000 in aid of 
the school. The sites thus offered as donations, and also several 
others which various persons offered to sell to the board, were visited 
iind examined by a committee consisting of H. N. McAllister, Gov. 
.I:i>. Pollock, Dr. A. L. P:iwyn and Hon. Frederick Watts. After 



OF CKNTRE COUNTY. 85 

full discussion at its successive nieetiugs, the board, September 12, 
selected the site in Centre county, thus securing the farm of two 
hundred acres given by Gen. James Irvin, with the pre-emption for 
five years of two hundred acres adjoining, and a donation of $10,000 
pledged by H. N. McAllister, James Irvin and A. G. Curtin, in 
behalf of Centre and Huntingdon counties. 

For beauty of location, healthful climatic; advantages and unsur- 
passed natural ada])tedness of the lands for the purposes intended, 
the present selection nuist ever attest the wisdom of the choice. 

COLLEGE LAND. 

The College property in this county consists of a tract of four 
hundred acres, of which one hundred acres have been set off as a 
model and experimental farm, and worked separate from the main 
College farm of three hiuidred acres, though under the suj^ervision 
of the Professor of Agriculture. The tract is in College township 
about twelve miles south of Bellefoute, and nearly equidistant from 
the opposite extremes of the State. It is near the middle from north 
to south of the broad rolling valley formed by the junction of Penn's 
and Nittauy valleys, w'hich unite at the end of Nittany mountain, 
about three miles east of the College, with Tussey mountain on the 
south, and Muncy mountain on the north. The landscape is broad, 
varied and beautiful, and the climate healthful. 

The College farm is worked in five divisions or fields, of from 
thirty to forty acres each, so as to ensure a regular sviccession of 
crops ; the rentninder of the tract being occupied by the College 
grounds, garden, orchard and two pieces of woodland. The surface 
is moderately rolling, without any broken land or swamps ; the soil 
is limestone, with a large admixture of flint, and admirably adapted 
to the production of wheat, Indian corn, oats, barley and the various 
kinds of grasses. It responds freely to the use of lime, of which 
large dressings are now applied, and of plaster of Paris, and the 
various artificial fertilizers. 

The implements used in the cultivation of the soil are of the latest 



86 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

and uioyt iinprovecl coiiHtruction, and the systeiii of agriculture 
practised is thoroughly progressive. Those persons who may have 
viewed the College farm during the earlier years of the institution, 
must be impressed with the great changes and the vast im])rove- 
ments visilile throughout the length and breadth thereof The 
unsightly and unprofitable hedge rows and stone fences have disap- 
peared and in their stead the eye sweeps over an unbroken surface 
of cultivated fields. Fields which, a few years ago, were so thickly 
strewn with stone as scarcely to admit the plough, are now found in 
the very best condition for the use of the reaper or mower. 

THE EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 

After the College came into free control and enjoyment of the 
provisions of the Agricultural College Endowment Act, there was 
evinced a wide-sjiread desire on the part of agriculturalists through- 
out, the State, and especially from the eastern and western counties 
of the State, for the establishment of an Experimental and Model 
Farm at some easily accessible point in the eastern and a like farm 
in the western portion of the State. 

In compliance with this desire the board of trustees, by appro- 
priate legislation, were empowered to purchase three farms for use 
as Experimental and Model Farms, and a portion of the Land 
Scrip Endowment Fund was directed to be set aside for this use. 

The Eadern Expermcntdl Farm is located in Chester county, on 
the line of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Central Railroad, at 
West Grove Station, consists of about one hundred acres of land, 
undL-r the suparint^nden.'y of Mr. John I. Carter. 

Tlie Wedev)!. Experimental Farm is situated in White township, 
Indiana county, adjoining the town of Indiana, and ccmtains one 
hundred and twi'nty-one acres, under the su])('rint( iid( iicy ol' Mr. T. 
A. Hood. 

The Central Experimental Farm consists of (jiic huii(h'ed acres of 
the eastern portion of the original College iarni, under tlie superin- 
tendency of Mr. AVilliam C. Huey. 



OF CICNTUK COUNTY. 87 

These sevenil faniis lire cdiKlueted as Model Farms, equipped 
with the most convenient kind of buildings and apparatus, and 
farmed in the best manner by hired labor, to serve as examples in 
successful practical agriculture ; and also, as Experimental Farms, 
to test by experiments in sufficient series, and to decide by results, 
those numerous doubtlUl questions, as to modes of culture, relative 
value of manures, kinds of seed, succession of crops, (pialities of 
live stock, &c., which i)erplex the farmer, and to make known these 
results, when sufficiently verified, to the ])ublic. 

The greater portion of each tract is devoted to the ger^eral Model 
Farm, and the remainder to the trial of experinsents. 

The superintendents of the several Model and Experimental Farms 
act in the cajiacity of assistants to the Professor of Agriculture at 
the College, under whose immediate supervision and control a 
carefully devised system of experiments, covering a term of years, is 
pursued simultaneously upon each farm. 

Thus, the most casual visitor may, by reference to the assistants' 
book, always open to inspection in the assistants' office, or by 
reference to the farm ledger, always open to examination in the 
professors' office, acquaint himself fully with the operations upon 
the three several Experimental Farms. He will there find recorded 
what has been tried, the manner in which it has been tried, and the 
result. He will there find what is being tried, and, with the pro- 
gramme in hand, can, himself, and irithout a (juide, visit any i^lot 
and there examine whrd is r/rnicin;/ thrrcon, and the programme will 
fully inform him idud has preceded and ivhat is to succeed the 
growing crop, and he will there see also what is yet to be done and 
the manner in wdiich H is to he done; and, to the full extent of the 
programme prescribed, a knowledge of one farm is a knowledge of 
all. It is thus that the Professor of Agriculture, at the College near 
the central farm, is enabled intelligently to direct and control the 
operations of all. The design of the Legislature in the establishment 
of three farms instead of one, was to secure the application of similar 
tests under diversity of soil and climate ; and to effect this, uniformity 
is indis])ensable. 



88 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITTITIONS 

When the Board prescribe the ensentialti of what is to be done, and 
tlie Professor of Agriculture directs how if /.•>■ to be done, the Superin- 
tendent has only to ><ee that it is done in t/ie nxoniier directed. 

The plan of operations i)ursued in tlie conduct of the Model and 
Ex^ierimental Farms ensures uniformity, and it must be obvious to 
every one that strict uniformity in the operations and reports of the 
experimeiital portions of all the farms be rigidly enforced. If 
exj)eriments are to lead to any reliable results, they must not only 
be tried in the same manner and under as great a variety of circum- 
stances as possible, but they must be continued sufficiently long to 
command confidence by a repetition of similar effects. Single 
instances, no matter how carefully managed or fully reported, are 
entitled to little weight. It is only "the like effect always following 
the like cause," that constitutes or proves such a law of nature as 
may be safely accepted as a guide. 

The College Buildimj. — This is a plain substantial structure of 
limestone, seated on a pleasant rise of ground, and is two hundred 
and forty feet in length, eighty feet in average breadth, and five full 
stories in height, exclusive of the basement, with ample lodging 
rooms, chapel, library, society halls, laboratories, cabinets and 
armory. A large campus for exercise and drill, and extensive 
pleasure grounds, adjoin the building. 

The Chapel is large enough to seat about four hundred persons, 
and is comfortably furnished. Here, at noon, the students meet for 
religious exercises, conducted by the members of the Faculty. At 
9 A. M., every Sunday, the students and ]irofess(n"s meet as a Bible 
class; at o P. M., there are regular services by clergymen of the 
vicinity, or of the Faculty acting as chaplains, and in the evening 
there is a prayer meeting. The (chapel is also used toi- general 
lectures and rhetorical exercises. 

The Libravtj belonging to the College cdntains about nineteen 
hundred volumes, embracing scientific and technical works, me- 
moirs, scientific essays, agricultural and educational works, &c., 
in English, French and German, forming the luicleus of a fine 
scii'iitific libraj'v. ('ertaiii scientitic periodicals, ])urchased by the 



OF CKNTHK COUNTY. 89 

t'i)lietri' t'<ir tlu' use of the (lirtercnt (Lcpartiiu'iits of instruction, arc 
also a(l(lc<l to the library from time to time as they accumulate. 

Tlic Geolixjiciil Col/eciwii made by Professor llouers, during the 
geological survey of the State, is in possession of the College, and 
will afibrd a rare ()[)portunity of becoming ac([uainted with the 
geology of Pennsylvania. In addition to this the ('ollege has a 
collection of typical European rocks. 

The Labor Buh, at present, requires an average of six hours' 
labor each week by each student in the ])reparatory, freshman and 
sophomore classes, which is rendered in details of three hours, either 
in the forenoon or afternoon, except Saturdays, when both labor 
and recitations are suspended. The work is on the farm or in the 
garden, laboratories, barn, workshop or building, as the case may 
be, under proper superintendence. Students in the junior and 
senior classes do an amount of work equal to the above, by practice 
in the laboratories, surveying, &v. 

('/leiiuKfry. — The importance of chemistry, in its apj)lications to 
agriculture and the mechanic arts, and its value as an element of 
liberal education, claim for it a prominent place in the courses of 
study. The arrangements of the building were made in view of 
this, and the ample laboratories will compare favorably with those 
of older and more liberally endowed institutions. When the addi- 
tions and improvements, which are contemplated in this department, 
are com])leted, this College will offer to students in either theoretical 
or practical chemistry, facilities unexcelled in this country. 

Muienilof/i/. — The institution has a mineralogical cabinet and a 
collection of crystal models, and ample facilities are offered the 
students for thorough practical instruction in blowqiipe analysis and 
determinative mineralogy. 

Phi/slr.^. — A collection of apparatus for experimental illustration 
of the principles of the important science of physics, embracing the 
subjects of forces, general properties of matter, light, heat, sound, 
electricity, &c., is in possession of the College. 

One of the adjuncts of the department is a complete suit of Til- 
lotson's best telegraphic apparatus. 



90 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

St uxlents Societies. — There ai-e two literary societies, named respect- 
ively, the Cresson and the Washington. Each has a commodious 
hall, handsomely fitted up, a library of standard and miscellaneous 
works, and a reading room. Besides these there is a Young Men's 
Christian Association. No secret fraternities are permitted in the 
institution. 

COURSES OF STUDY. 

The courses of study pur.-^ued in the institution are as follows: 

Preparatori/ Department — First Ye'xr. — Orthography, reading, pen- 
manship, arithmetic, English grammar, geography, Latin lessons, 
Latin grammar, elementary algebra. 

Second Year. — Mental arithmetic, written arithmetic, English 
grammar, CiTC.-^ar and Latin grammar, Greek grammar and lessons, 
elocution, higher arithmetic. United States history, art of composi- 
tion, Cicaro's orations, Xenophon's anabasis, elementary algebra 
(through quadratics). 

Stu.lsuts preparing to enter upan either the agricultural or scien- 
tific course are not required to study Latin and Greek. 

Agricultural Course — Freshman. — Agriculture, general agricul- 
ture, higher algebra, physical geograjihy, physiology, elementary 
botany. 

Sophomore. — Horticulture, general chemistry, geometry, German, 
botanical and chemical laboratory practice, plant culture, chemical 
laboratory practice, soils, agricultural chemistry and lectures, trigo- 
nometry. 

Junior.— F'Avm machinery, rural law, surveying, with Meld ])rac- 
tice and plotting, zoology, German, rhetoric, chemical analysis, 
fertilizers, physics, general geometry. National economy, domestic 
animals, constitutions of the United States and of Pennsylvania. 

Classical Course — Freshman. — Ovid — the metamorj)hoses, Latin 
composition, Greek selections, higher algebra, agriculture, Virgil, 
(.Treek composition. 



OF (aONTKl: COUNTY. 91 

Sophoincre. — Hallu.st, Herodotus, tyoonictry, general chemistry, in- 
fantry tactics, (elective,) Latin composition, (elective,) Horace — the 
Odes & Epodes, Homer — the Iliad, Cicero de h'enectute, Plate. — the 
Apology, trigonometry, history. 

Jtoilor. — Livy, Thucydides, evidences of clirislianity, rhetoric, 
sin-veying, with held practice and ])lotting, (elective,) jjhysiology, 
zoology, Horace— the satires and e})istles, Sophocles — (Hdipus Rex, 
National economy, physics, Tacitus — The Germania and Agricola, 
Demosthenes de Corona, constitutions of the United States and of 
Pennsylvania, botany. 

Seuior. — Cicero de OfHciis, Prometheus Vinctus, moral philoso- 
phy, English literature, physics, (elective,) geology, history of Greek 
and Roman literature, logic, history, civil engineering, (elective,) 
international law, astronomy, mental philosophy. 

Scienfifc Course — ]'ref<h))i<(n. — Higher algebra, physical geogra- 
j)hy, agriculture, German, physiology, elementary botany. 

Sophomore. — Geometry, general chemistry, German, iniantry tac- 
tics, French, botany, (laboratory jjractice,) chemistry, (laboratory 
practice,) trigonometry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry lec- 
tures, history. 

Junior. — Surveying, with held practice and plotting, zoology, 
German, evidences of Christianity; rhetoric, artillery tactics, blow- 
pipe analysis, French, (elective,) determinative mineralogy (elective), 
general geometry. National economy, physics, qualitative analysis, 
calculus, constitutions of the United States and of Pennsylvania 
(elective). 

Senior. — Calculus, physics, with lalxjratory practice, German, 
moral })hiloso})liy, qualitative analysis, crystallography, lectures, 
geology, mechanics (elective), English literature (elective), history 
(elective), French (elective), civil engineering (elective), logic, min- 
eralogy (elective), astronomy, mental philosophy, cavalry tactics, 
international law (elective). 

During all sessions of the College year, composition and declama- 
tion are required of students in all the courses of study. 

Special Studies are offered, from time to time, and when required, 



92 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

to the students. These comprise the Spanish and Italian languages, 
phonography, telegraphy, book-keeping, &c. 

MILITARY DEPABTMENT. 

This department is organized as thoroughly as is possible in an 
institution not purely military. 

The military instruction given is in accordance with the systems 
of tactics adopted by the War Department for the instruction of 
the army and militia of the United States. 

The male students are organized as military companies, com- 
manded by cadet officers. There are daily inspections of quarters, 
inspections of arms and accoutrements, frequent reviews and dress 
parades, and a daily drill. 

Through these means the College not only complies with the law 
of Congress requiring the instruction in military tactics in the insti- 
tutions receiving the beneiit of the United States Land Grant, but 
offers to the militia of the State of Pennsylvania a valuable training 
school for company and field officers. 

No exemptions from military duty are granted, except for reasons 
satisfactory to the president. Students exempted are placed on the 
labor detail for a time equivalent to that occupied by cadets in 
military duties. 

FACVETY. 

The following persons compose the Faculty at the present time : 
President, James Calder, D. D., Professor of Mental and Moral 
Science ; Vice-President, James Y. McKee, A. M., Professor of 
English Literature and the Greek Language ; William A. Buck- 
hout, S. M., Professor Geology, Zoology, and Botany ; John Hamil- 
ton, M. A. S., Professor of Agriculture; John F. Downey, S.M.. 
C. E., Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy; Rev. John S. W. 
Dean, A. M., Professor of Latin ; Arthur Grabowskii., M. A. S., 
Ph. D., Professor of Modern Languages ; Walter Howe, First Lieu- 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 9o 

tenant 4tli Artillery, U. S. A., Professor of Military Science and Tac- 
tics ; C. Alfred Smith, S. J\I., Professor of C'heini.stry and Physics; 
James F. Sloan, B. S., Assistant Professor in Cliemistry ; Louisa 
Holden Dent, Lady Princi[)al and Professor of Music; Fredei-ick C. 
Esmond, A. B., Principal of the Prcjjaratory Department ; John 
W. Heston, Assistant in the Preparatory Dejiartment. 

FOUNDERS. 

The Pennsylvania State College owes its origin to a casual con- 
versation held between two gentleman well known throughout the 
State on account of their legal ability, and as well, if not better 
known, for their success in the practice of the art of cultivating 
the soil. 

To the Hon. Frederick Watts of Carlisle, and the late H. N. 
McAllister, Elsq., of Bellefonte, this College owes its inception. 
These gentlemen, first in a casual conversation and afterwards in a 
more serious one, discussed the idea of establishing a school in this 
State for the education of the sons of farmers. They had observed 
that farmers' sons seemed to be unfitted by the literary colleges of 
the land for the occupation of their fathers, and they ho])ed and be- 
lieved that a system of special education in agricultural science and 
practice would correct this evil and meet a very urgent want of the 
agricultural interests of the State. They accordingly drew up a 
charter estal)lisliing the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania, and 
succeeded in having it passed by the Legislature and was signed bv 
the Governer in April, 1854. 

No sooner had steps been taken by these gentlemen in the direc- 
tion of the education of the sons of farmers, than numerous friends 
of the project hastened to offer their aid in its support. Great 
interest was manifested in the cause, not only by citizens of the 
country districts, but also by eminent gentlemen of the cities and 
towns; and everywhere men were enthusiastic in its behalf. Among 
the many who rendered valuable aid to this enterprise, in its earlier 
days, were the Hon. James T. Hale, the Hon. Andrew Gi-egg, Gen. 



94 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITTFTIONS 

James Irvin, Janie!^ Miles, Gov. Pollock, Elliot Cresson and Hon, 
A. G. Curtin. 

PRESIDENT PUGH. 

Evan Pugli, Pli. D., F. C. S., first president of the Pennsylvania 
State College, was born in Chester county, Pa., in the year 1828. 
As a boy his opportunities for acquiring knowledge . were not 
numerous, but such facilites as offered were eagerly embraced, and 
as he ripened from boyhood to manhood, whether, upon the farm, in 
the blacksmith shop, or in charge of the district school, his mind 
eagerly sought a new store of knowledge. 

Evan Pugh, from early manhood was possessed, in an eminent 
degree, of the qualities which go to make a master mind ; he was 
full of originality of thought ; he could not accept as true a pro])o- 
sition which he was unable to demonstrate by reasoning; and his 
mind was ever active, ever iii.tent upon plans for the improvement 
and advancement of his fellow man. 

As he drove the plough, his mind dwelt upon plans for elevating 
labor and enhancing the character of agricultural pursuits. 

As he weilded the sledge upon the anvil, his mind was busy with 
the chemistry of combustion and flame, of oxidation and carboniza- 
tion, and upon various plans for the development of the mechanic 
arts. 

As he carried the pupils forward in the various elementary 
branches of the District school, his mind broadened and exjjanded 
with views and jjlans f'oi- the advancement of the cause of indus- 
trial education. 

His absorbing desire for advancing knowledge and better ap))]!- 
ances for study, caused him to seek these op])ortunities abroad, and 
with this view he labored and struggled to accunudate means requi- 
site for a prolonged residence in Europe. He went to Germany 
in the fall of 185.3, spending about one and a half years undei' 
such instructors as Kaumann, Weber and Stern at Leipsic. Leav- 
ing Leipsic on the 2d of April, 18")"), lu' went to Goettingen, where 

) 



OF CKNTHE COUNTY. 95 

lie graduated under P^rdinan and Wd'hlor in March, 1856, receiving 
the degree of Doctor of Philosoj)hy, (Ph. I).) From Goettingen in 
April, l(S5(i, Dr. Pugli went to Heidelburg, where he reniainetl about 
.<ix nionths. 

It wa.s while engaged in j^pecial investigation in the laboratories 
of Heidelberg that Dr. Pugh became interested in the much 
disputed question as to whether plants assimilate free or uncom- 
l)ined_nitrogen- — M. George Ville, of Paris, asserting the affirmative 
and citing an elaborate series of experiments to support his views, 
M. Boussengault as fully denying the position as taken by Ville. 

Early in the year 1857 Dr. Pugh entered upon a series of investi- 
gations in the laboratories of Messrs. Lawes and Gilbert, at Roth-t 
amsted, England, covering a period of more than two years, and 
involving an expenditure of more than ten thousand dollars, during 
which he proved satisfactorily the falsity of the reasoning, and the 
inaccuracy of the experiments, of M. G. Ville, confirmed the 
researches of M. Boussengault, and set at rest forever a question of 
much importance and value to agriculturists. This series of investi- 
gation made for Dr. Pugh an enduring reputation throughout 
England, Germany and France as an investigator of high rank. 

During the year 1858 and while engaged on the nitrogen investi- 
gations, he prepared and delivered before the chemical section of the 
British Association for the Advancement of Science, at Leeds, a 
thesis " on a new method for the quantitative estimation of nitric 
acid " ; and during the same year he was elected a Fellow of the 
Chemical Society of England. 

In" the fall of 1859 Dr. Pugh returned to America and to his 
native State of Pennsylvania to enter upon his duties as president of 
the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania, to which jjosition he 
had been elected. 

The history of the financial struggles and trials of the institution 
(the name of which was, in the winter of 1860, changed to that of 
the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania) need not be recounted 
here. Suffice it to say, that the entire period of Dr. Pugh's admin- 
istration was one incessant struggle against difficulties and embar- 



96 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

rassnicnts. When he entered upon his career, only one-third of the 
College building had been completed, and the College treasury was 
bankrupt. In the Avinter of 1800 the Legislature appropriated 
funds to enable work to be resumed on the College buildings, and 
the work went ibrward in the years of 1801 and '02 under the 
immediate supervision of the president. In the winter of 1862 the 
Agricultural College endowment act passed Congress and became a 
law. The State of Peimsylvania accepted of the provisions of' the 
act, the passage of which was mainly owing to the efforts of the 
friends of this institution in its behalf; and then began that war 
between the various colleges and schools of the State, each seeking 
to deprive this College of the benefits of the act and to secure those 
benefits to themselves. Throughout the struggle, Dr. Pugh's labors 
wei-e unremitting. In personal effort at Harrisburg and throughout 
the State, on the platform and through the medium of the press, he 
never ceased to vindicate the charges brought by enemies against 
the College, and to advocate the claims of this College to the benefits 
of the endowment act. 

Throughout all this labor the claims upon him as president of the 
College were not neglected. With but slight assistance he carried 
on the w^ork of his department, lecturing upon pure and agricultural 
chemistry, crystallography and mineralogy, carrying large classes 
through a course of laboratory practice, including advanced work in 
quantitative analysis, and at the same time devoting attention to 
special investigation. His life was one unending round of labor ; 
he knew no such word as fail. And one by one he saw the obstruc- 
tions in the pathway of progress and success vanish, and the vista 
of untroubled prosperity opening before him. 

In the summer of 1808 he began the erection on the College 
ground of a dwelling for the president. On the 4th of February, 
1804, he was married to Rebecca Valentine oi' Bellefonte, and 
looked forward to an early occupation of the president's house, 
which was rapidly approaching com]jletion. But the struggle in 
the Legislature in the spring of 1804, over the endowment fund, 
seemed more bitter than ever, and the president's burdens seemed to 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 97 

increase day by flay. Durhiii' this time the writer was his constant 
companion, and, while laboring to assist and relieve him, marveled 
at his untiring energy. Niglit after night the Doctor would leave 
his office long past midnight, and yet would appear in his place at 
breakfast at 5.45 o'clock. But the limit of human endurance was 
at last readied. During tlie summer of 1863 Dr. Pugh, while 
returning from a business trip by night, was thrown over an 
embankment near Bellefonte, and received injuries I'rom which he 
never fully recovered, and during the month of April, 1864, his 
face bore evident traces of the strain upon his system. On the 22d 
of April, while engaged before the senior class, with a lecture upon 
chemistry, he was seized with a violent chill, Init alter a few minutes 
resumed his lecture, and then endeavored to complete the manu- 
script of an argument which he was preparing to lay before the 
Legislature. The hand of death was even then upon him — his pen 
rested in the midst of an unfinished sentence, and was laid aside 
never to be resumed. It was left for others to carry forward to 
completion the work which he had sacrificed his life to accomplish. 
A person of uncommon muscular development and power, he yet 
seemed to melt away under the ravages of disease. The brain 
became almost immediately the chief seat of disease, and on the 
29th of April, wdthout a struggle he passed peacefully away. 

News of the death of Dr. Pugh fell like the pall of midnight 
darkness upon the friends of the institution, and in his death the 
cause of industrial education received a blow irom which it could 
not soon recover. Dr. Evan Pugh did not live and labor in vain. 
His giant intellect has left in the world an impress which will yet 
work out some of his undeveloped plans, and the Pennsylvania State 
College will vindicate, in its future development, the wisdom of the 
broad views and liberal ideas of its first president. 



98 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 



PRESIDENT ALLEN. 



In the fall of 1864, soon after the death of Dr. Pugh, the trustees 
called to the presidency of the College Wra. H. Allen, LL. D., who 
had, until recently, been president of Girard College, Philadelphia. 
He entered ujson his duties in February, 1865, and, notwithstanding 
the difficulties that surrounded the institution — such as financial 
embarrassment, the effects of the war then in progress, the demorali- 
zation of the College, resulting from its having been for almost a year 
without a president — the College year opened with a very fair 
attendance of students. 

President Allen was well fitted for the position that he was called 
by the trustees to fill. In him the College enjoyed the advantage 
of having lor her chief officer a Christian gentleman possessed of a 
superior education, having had much experience in the government 
of young men and in the management of im^^ortant educational 
and financial interests, and was well known and highly esteemed 
throughout the State. 

The College, at the time of his assuming control, was seriously 
involved in debt. Obligations to the amount of $80,000 were held 
by individuals through the State. These debts had been contracted 
in the erection of the College building, and the claimants w'ere 
urgent in demanding their money. The payment of interest upon 
this large sum was very burdensome, and to meet these demands, to 
pay the faculty, keep up repairs, make needed improvements and 
furnish board, fuel, rooms and furniture to students, there was but 
the income derived from the College farms and from the students. 
The latter amounted to but two hundred dollars each per year, less 
sufficient to furnish board and fuel. 

It did not take long to discover the fact that the exercise of the 
president's powers was limited to the meagre income of the College, 
and there was no immediate prospect of its increase ; besides there 
were customs and ideas that hami)ered the effi)rts of the president in 
the direction of the educational development of the College, and 
these customs and ideas seemed to be sui>])()rted by the trustees as 



OF ( KNTKK roLNTY. 99 

tlie fixed ))oli('V of tlie College and therefore uiieliaiigeable. In a 
i-('])ort to the board, dated September 5, 1866, Pres^ident Allen 
< -a lied attention to a number of t\wt>e difficulties that to him seemed 
to be in the way of the future prosperity of the College, and he at 
tlu> same time tendered his resignation, to take effect not later than 
the close of that term. 

The resignation was, with much regret, accepted, and in Decem- 
ber of 1867 Dr. Allen removed to Philadelphia, having served the 
College faithfully for two full years. Soon after this he was elected 
to his former position of })resident of Girard College, and in the 
pt'rformance of the duties of this office he htus ever since been 
engaged. 

PRESIDENT EBAZER. 

The connection of General John Frazer, A. M., with the institu- 
tion began in 1865, when he was elected professor of mathematics 
and astronomy, and lecturer on tactics. He continued to fill this 
chair until the resignation of the president. Dr. Allen, in 1866. 
The General was then elected to the presidency, and began his 
duties in that office in January, 1867. He had previously matured 
a plan for the management of the institution in which some radical 
changes were introduced. The compulsory labor rule of the Col- 
lege w^as abandoned and a daily drill and exercise in military 
tactics substituted. A scheme of instruction was devised which 
.included three full and separate courses of study. The standard of 
admission was materially raised, and a charge of fifty dollars ])er 
term was made for tuition. 

During this year he succeeded in securing for the institution th(> 
full and undivided land grant of Congress to the State of Pennsyl- 
vania. The legislative contest over the disposition of this grant 
was a very animated one, and representatives from several of the 
colleges of the State sought strenuously to secure a portion of it, 
but without success. Though given partly because of the promised 
establishment of experimental farms, yet it is generally admitted 



100 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

that to General Frazcr's able advocacy of the interests of the Col- 
lege the bill was passed. It was then intended to open a course in 
civil and mechanical engineering, and one in metallurgy, mineralogy 
and mining. Notices to this efiect were published in the circulars 
of that year. He frequently gave addresses in difiercnt portions 
of the State, and endeavored thereby to secure the interest and 
patronage of the people. His instruction was given principally by 
lectures, and this Avas the case even with such studies as algebra 
and trigonometry. His manner of presenting any topic was ex- 
ceedingly clear, concise and comprehensive ; and to any student who 
was prepared for the work, and was disposed to pay proper atten- 
tion to his Avork, General Frazer's methods were well adapted and 
uniformly successful. He resigned his position early in 1868, and 
left the College in June of that year. His own public statement 
explained that " he was led to do so because of irreconcilable differ- 
ences between himself and the board of trustees." He has since 
been president of the University of Kansas, and also State Super- 
intendent of Public Instruction for that State. 

PRESIDENT BURROWES. 

At the close of president Frazer's term several cither professors 
also resigned, and but one of the chairs thus vacated was filled by 
the board. The College was, consequently left, for the ensuing 
session, in charge of a greatly reduced faculty and a vice-president, 
all of whom were comparatively new men in the school and almost 
unknown to its patrons. The institution was, at the same time, 
attacked through the press by a former teacher, who had been dis- 
missed by the board. 

Under such circumstances it is not strange that tlie attendance 
for this session ran down to twenty-two, the smallest number of 
students known in the history of the College. Under such discour- 
agements the board, in December, 1868, called to the presidency 
Thos. H. Burrowes, LL. D., the organizer of the Common School 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 101 

System of the State, oi', perhaps, better known as the founder and 
h)iig the editor of the Pennsijlvania School Journal. 

Trained in the best schools of his native counlry, Irehind, having 
hirge experience as a public officer and as a writer for the educa- 
tional press, and well versed in the workings of our common schools, 
he was yet wilhoul any experience as a professor, or a college presi- 
dent. But, notwithstanding his advanced years, he entered on his 
duties with ch.aracteristic vigor, arid his name, favorably known 
throughout the State, helped to bring the College again before the 
public. He re-established the labor system and himself took part 
in the toils of the field. The course of collegiate instruction which 
he introduced suffered the disadvantage of not liaving been dictated 
by experience, and it was, doubtless, in many points, imperfect, but, 
as it was not fully elaborated at the time of his death, an.d most of 
its peculiar features were drojjped immediately after that event, it is 
needless to discuss it at greater length. 

Pressed upon by many other duties, Dr. Burrowes spent but little 
time in the class-room and was scarcely known to the students as a 
professor ; but his carncstr.ess, his extended knowledge of men and 
things, and the social qualities he possessed in common with many 
of his countrymen, gave him an influence which he could not other- 
wise have gained. In this he was helped, also, by his readiness to 
enter into boyish sports ; indeed, his last illness "svas, apparently, the 
result of exposure during a tri}), in November, 1870, into the heart 
of Ihe Seven Mountains, where he cam])ed for three days in com- 
pany with the students. 

His brief term of active service as president — scarcely two years 
— did not furnish opportunity for making a deep impression on the 
character of his students, such as is sometimes made by a man like 
Dr. Nott, on many successive generations of graduates, yet many 
of his " boys" might truthfully testify to his molding influence on 
them. 



102 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

PRESIDENT CALDER. 

Dr. Burrowes having died early in the session, the board, profit- 
ing by their j)revious experience, did not permit a long vacation and 
the following session to intervene before the election of his successor. 
Dr. Calder, then president of Hillsdale College, Mich., was chosen 
in March, 1871, and entered upon his duties before the close of the 
session. The result of this prompt action was that there Avas no 
decrease in the number of the students, but the following session 
showed an increase. Indeed, there was no falling off in this respect, 
from the beginning of Dr. Burrowes' j^residency until after the 
panic of 1873, each successive half year, under both presidents, 
showing a larger roll than that which went before. A marked 
change in the educational system was introduced soon after Dr. 
Calder's accession, in the admission of ladies to all the privileges of 
the institution. 

One of the important events of this period is the re-investment of 
the trust funds held by the State, and the consequent increase of 
income; another is the re-organization of the financial system, a 
change of which there had been great need for some years. The 
increased attendance in the College and these improvements in the 
condition of its money afllairs, have enabled and encouraged the 
board to respond, from time to time,, to president Calder's demand 
for an increase in the teaching force, until now the number of 
professors is greater than at any previous time. In general, it may 
justly be claimed that, with a yearly attendance as large as ever 
before, the College now possesses a stronger faculty and increased 
facilities for instruction in every department — in the class-room, on 
the farm and the parade-ground, and in the laboratory. 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 



103 



TRUSTEES. 



The following gentleiiK'n have been trustees of the College, by 
election : 

Beaver, Gen. Jas. A., 
Biddle, Craig, 
Blight, George, 
Browne, Geo. B., 
Calder, William, Sr., 
Campbell, Gen. .1. IVI., 
Chadwick, Samuel, 
Chess, Moses, 
Darlington, J. Laeey, 
Darlington, H. T., 
DuBois, John, 
Ellis, B. Morris, 
Elwyn, A. L. 
Eyre, Joshua P., 
Gordon, Cyrus, 
Hale, James T., 
Hamilton, Hays, 
Hamilton, A. Boyd, 
Harvey, H. T., 
Hiester, A. O., 
Hiester, Ch. E., 
Hildrup, William T., 
Holstein, W. H., 
Jessup, William, 
Jordan, Hon. F., 
Kaine, Hon. D., 
Kelly, James, 
McAllister, H. N., 
McAllister, Arch., 
Miles, James, 
Miles, James, 
Orvis, Hon. J. H., 
Parrish, Charles, 
Roberts, A. 8., 
Roberts, W. B., 
Scott, Col. T. A., 
Smith, Dr. A., 



Centre county 


from 1873 to 


Philadelphia c 


ounty, 


' 1859 to 1867 
' 1867 to 1869 


(( 


(< < 


' 1858 to 1859 


Dau})hin 


" ' 


' 1877 to 


C'ambria 


" ' 


' 1877 to 


Allegheny 


(( i 


' 1864 to 1866 


u 


<( < 


' 1860 to 1864 


Chester 


a i 


' 1875 to 1876 


Bucks 


a < 


' 1876 to 


Lycoming 




' 1876 to 1877 
' 1865 to 1871 


Philadelphia 


" ♦ 


' 1855 to 1858 


Delaware 


« < 


' 1857 to 1860 


Clearfield 


<< < 


' 1876 to 


Centre 


<< < 


' 1858 to 1865 


Huntingdon 


a < 


' 1867 to 1869 


Dauphin 


u < 


' 1869 to 1872 


Clinton 


a < 


' 1876 to 


Dauphin 


<( i 


' 1855 to 1874 


Delaware 


ii i 


' 1860 to 1863 


Dauphin 


" 


' 1874 to 


iMontgomery 


(( ( 


' 1874 to 1876 


Susquehanna 


(( ( 


' 1855 to 1858 


Dauphin 


u < 


' 1873 to 


Fayette 


(< i 


' 1863 to 


Allegheny 


i< i 


' 1866 to 


Centre 


" * 


' 1855 to 1873 


Blair 


<( i 


' 1858 to 1867 


Erie 


« ( 


' 1855 to 1868 


Erie 


« i 


' 1876 to 


Centre 


it i 


' 1875 to 


Luzerne 


" ' 


' 1876 to 1877 


Philadelphia 


<( < 


' 1855 to 1857 


Montgomery 


a < 


' 1871 to 1874 


Philadelphia 


(( < 


' 1876 to 1877 


Berks 


« i 


' 1876 to 



■K., 


Allegheny 
LfiiR-ajitcr 


county, 


I'rom 


1856 to 1862 
1855 to 1858 


^y., 


Lycoiiiiiig 
Indiana 


u 


u 


1X77 ti\ 


" 


it 


lO i t LU 

1872 to 




Chester 


" 


" 


1869 to 1875 




Allegheny 


" 


(f 


1855 to 1856 


d'k, 


CumberhuK 
Indjaiui 


1 " 


li 


1855 to 1875 
1868 to 1872 



104 rM)USTRIE.S AND IXSTITUTIOXS 

t^nodgra^s, J. McK., 
Strolini, John, 
tSiarkweathe]-, S 
Taylor, Hon. A, 
Turner, Jos. C, 
AValker, R. C, 
Watts, Hon. Fred'k, 
White, Hon. H., 



PROFESSORS AND INSTRUCTORS. * 

Allen, W. H. LL. D., Prcs't, PoUtlcid Economy, - 18G4 to '66 • 

Allen, J. W., M. E., Frln. Frejxirafon/ Dejmrimcnt, - 1874 to '76 ; 

Allison, R. C, A. ]\I., Eiifjiish Litemt'nre, 1859 to '60 ; 

Baird, S., ii/«^/ie«iaftc.s-, 1859; 

Baker, T. R., B. S., il/f/i/iem«&.s, - - - - lS61to'66; 

Barrick, D. H., B. S., (tutor,) Natural Rhilosophi/, - 1867 ; 

Boardman, T. H., B. 8., (tutor,) Botany, - -' - 1867 ;. 

Boardman, W. T., B. S., (tutor,) - - - - 1870 ; 

Breneman, A. A., B. S., Chemistry, - - - 1868 to '72 

Buekhout, W. A., M. S., Botony and Zoology, - - 1871 to ^ 

Burgan, E. T., M. E., Prln. Preparaton/ Department, 1869 to '74 

Burrowes, T. H., LL. D., Pres't, Agriculture, - - 1869 to '71 

Butterficld, Mary E., Preceptress, - - - - 1871 ; 
Calder, Jas., D. D., Prcs't, Mental, 3Ioral & Pol. Science, 1871 to — 

Caldwell, G. C, Ph. D., Chernhirif, - - - - 1863 to '68 

Clark, H. Jas., A. M., B. S., Zoofogy and Geology, - 1867 to '69 

Clough, Nellie E., (instructor,) Music, - '-' - 1874 to '75 

Collier, Hiram, A. M., Chemistri/ and Physics, - - 1873 to '75 

Crook, Frank, B. S. A., (Ass't Prof.) Chemistry, - 1866; 

Dale, J. Y., M. D., (leeturor,) iy^'y/e^f, - '- - 1867 to '71 

Dean, Rev. J. S. W., A. M., Latin, - - - - 1874 to — 

Dent, Mrs. L. H., Preceptress, Music, - - - 1877 to — 

Downey, J. R, H. M., C. E., .1/^///iem«^<>.s, - - 1874 to — 

Dresher, (). L., (instructor, )il/(9rferrt Languages, - 1867 to '68 

Esmond, F. C-., A. B., Prin. Preparatory Department, 1877 to — 

Fleming, J. H., (instructor,) Preparatory Departmeut, 1865 ; 

Focht, Rev. J. B., A. B., Prin. Preparatory Deparfm't, 1876 to '77 

Fowler, Fr. A., A. M., English Literature, - - 1867 to '68 
Eraser, Gen. Jno., A.M., (Pres't in 1867-'8,)il/rtf/«e»wf/e.>?, 1865 to '68 

Gordon, Cyrus, B. B., (tutor,) Geology, - '- - 1867; 

Grabowskii, Col. A., Ph.D., Modern Languages, - 1875 to — 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 



10>5 



Hamilton, John, M. A. S., Ar/rlcuUure, - 

Haiiuliawnut, L. L., (instructor,), 7 Vp. Deparimenf, 

Hofiiiian, E. H., Frincijxil rrcjuiraionj Deparfmoit, - 

Holahan. W. C, (instructor,) TadicH, " - - - 

Hood, Jolm, A. !•>., E)t(iUi<h Literaivre, 

iHowc, I.icut. Walter, U. S. A., JSlUUary Science, 

Hoyt, Jane W., A. V.., Preceptress, Modem jAmgiiruje^, 

Jennings, E. 8., V. ''^., (lecturer,) Veterinary, - 

Kencagey, Kamucl, M. D., //(/_r/c»K% 

Linn, Hon. S., (lecturer,) Af/ricultural Law, 

Linn, J. M., (instructor,^ Freparaiory DejKirbitenf, - 

Leas, J. a., A. IM., Enc/lish Literature, 

Lovewc^l, J. T., A. M.,'Ph. D., ChemiMry and PnrsicH, 

McKce, John L., (instructor,) liOok-Kecpinf/, - 

McKce, James Y., A. JM., Greek, - - - - 

Phiii, John, C. E., Ph. B., Ar/ricnltnre, - 

Puo-h, Evan,Ph.r).,F.C.S., Pres't, Chew. & Ar/riculhire, 

Robinson, Rev. Fr. A., A. INL, Ph. D., Mathematics, - 

Robinson, Nellie R., (instructor,) 3Iu>iie, - 

Rothrock, J. T., B. S., Botany, . . . . 

Scanlan, Tl:os., C instructor,') Frepar(<tory Deparivicnt, 

Sloan, J. F., B. S., ( Ass't Prof.,) Chemistry, 

Smith, C. A., M. A. S., Chcmidry and Fhy.-iics, 

Smith, Lizzie J., Preceptress, Music, 

Thomas, I. M., C. E., Mafhematics, - - - - 

Tuttle, A. H., B. S., Geology, 

Vosburg, J. H., (lecturer,) - - 
Waring, W. G., Horticvlture, - - - - - 
Whitman, J. S., A. M., Botany, . . . - 
Wilson, David, A. M., Moral Fhilo.sophy, 



1871 to 


— 


I8(;r); 




im;() to 


'08 


18(;7; 




I8(ir) to 


00 


1877 to 


— 


1872 to 


'7;^ 


180] to 


'68 


18()i) ; 




1807; 




1804; 




1804; 




1875 to 


'77 


1805; 




1807 to 


— 


1807 to 


'08 


1800 to 


'08 


1871 to 


'74 


1872 to 


'74 


18(;7 to 


'71 


180;'.; 




1870 to 


— 


1877 to 


— 


1875 to 


'77 


1808 to 


'71 


1S72; 




1875 to 


'76 


1859 to 


'01 


1 859 to 


'66 


1859 to 


'64 



GRADUATES. 



This College is not the oldest agricultural college in the United 
States, but it has been the longest in continuous active existence, and 
was the first to send forth a class of graduates. The classes, fifteen 
in number, have, however, all been small, giving but a meagre 
aggregate. Still, though the list is a brief one, it gives a large 
proportion of successful farmers, druggists, chemists, civil engineers, 
l>hvsicians, manufacturers and even lawyers, who, in their several 



106 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

professions, ai*e making daily use of their college training. Espe- 
cially, is it noticeable, considering the youth of the College, that a 
very unusual number are i:)rofessors, and that not only are four of 
those graduates serving the College in its faculty, but others are 
performing similar sei'\'ice in the faculties of Cornell University and 
the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College; and yet another, 
after gaining experience as a collegiate instructor, has been doing 
efficient work as geologist in connection with the national exploring 
expeditions in the Northwest. 

The whole number of students who have attended the College is 
one thousand and seventy-two. Of these, eighty-seven have com- 
pleted some one of the courses of study and are graduates of the 
College, The number of students in attendance this year has been 
one hundred and fifty, of whom twenty-five are females. 

FINANCIAL HISTORY. 

On the 17th of April, 1855, there Avas held, in Harrisburg, a 
meeting of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society. At this 
meeting, a communication was received from Gen. James Irvin, 
proposing to donate two hundred acres of land, in Centre county, for 
the purpose of an Agricultural School. The secretary was directed 
to lay this proposition, together with that from Judge Miles, of 
Erie, with any others that might be received, before the trustees of 
the Farmers' High School, at their meeting in June following with 
a hope of exciting emulation, and inducing citizens from other parts 
of the State to make similar offers. This order to the secretary was 
published in the leading newspapers of the State. 

Gen. James Irvin had offered any one of three farms of two 
hundred acres of good limestone land, with the pre-emption right to 
two hundred additional acres, adjoining any one of them, within 
five years. 

At a meeting of the executive committee of the State Agricultural 
Society, convened in Harrisburg, July 17, 1855, on motion of H. N. 
McAllister, it was 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 107 

Rexohrd, That the sum of $10,000 lie approjiriiitcd by the State 
Agricultural Society to the Farmers' High School (>f Pennsylvania. 

In regard to the site in Centre county, H. N. McAllister, on 
Sej)tember 12, 185"), presented a pajier in which he, James Irvin 
and A. G. Curtin, pledged themselves, in hehalf of Centre and 
Huntingdon counties, to donate the sum of $10,000 for the purposes 
implied in the act of incorporation of the Farmers' High School of 
Pennsylvania, provided the said site be accepted. After due con- 
sideration of all these offers, the Hon. Fred. Watts, of Cund)erland, 
offered the following resolution : 

Remlved, That the adojition of the proposition of Gen. James 
Irvin for the location of the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania 
will best promote the interests of the institution, and that the same 
is hereby adopted. 

The question being on the adoption, Mr. James Go wen moved to 
strike out the name of General Irvin and insert that of Elias Baker 
— not agreed to. Dr. Elwyn moved to strike out the name of 
General Irvin and insert that of H. Easton — not agreed to. Fred. 
Watts then moved that the question be postponed, and that James 
Gowen, A. O. Hiester and John Strohm be appointed a committee 
of three to examine the propositions and determine which should be 
accepted — not agreed to. Robt. C. Walker then moved to strike 
from the resolution the name of General James Irvin and insert 
that of Geo. A. Bayard — not agreed to. The question then recur- 
ring upon the original resolution, was decided in the affirmative. 
The board also agreed to take two hundred additional acres of land 
from Gen. James Irvin, making a farm of four hundred acres. 

At a meeting of the board of trustees, held January 4, 1856, H. 
N. McAllister, A. O. Hiester and Robert C. Walker were appointed 
a committee to solicit an appropriation (of $50,000) from the 
Legislature then in session, for the furtherance of the object of 
the act of incorporation of the Farmers' High School of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

On the 12th of May, 1856, the building committee articled with 
Messrs. Turner & Natcher to construct the College buildings for the 



108 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

sum of $55,000, and the work upon the building was at once 
c'oninieneed. 

On the 6th of tlie following October, the board met for the first 
tune at the site of the College. The occasion was that of the first 
annual meeting of delegates for the election of trustees. The 
contract of Turner & Natch cr was approved by the board. Meas- 
ures were taken to secure a sum of nearly $5,000, left by the will of 
the late Elliot Cresson to the Farmers' High School, and Messrs. F. 
Watts, H. N. McAllister and J. Strohm were appointed a committee 
to lay the affairs of the institution before the next Legislature. 

Aci.'ordingly, at the next session, a bill to appropriate $50,000 to 
the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania was placed in the hands 
of Colonel Gregg, at that time Senator from this district. The 
committee also found an earnest, influential advocate in the Hon. 
James T. Hale, of Centre county. 

Colonel Gregg at once espoused the cause of the bill with all the 
earnestness of an advocate; and, in conjun.ction with Judge Hale 
and the committee, canvassed it thoroughly before the Legislature, 
and finally brought it to the test of a vote by which it became a 
law, ap])roved May 20, 1857. 

The act in question appropriated $25,000 at once to the Farmers' 
High School, in view of $25,000 already obtained; and appropriated 
an additional $25,000, provided a like sum be raised by subscrip- 
tion. It further provided that the amnuil meeting of delegates for 
the election of members to the board of trustees be held on the first 
Wednesday of September. 

At the seventh meeting of the board, held at Harrisburg the 18th 
of March, 1858, H. N. McAllister, of the committee appointed for 
that purpose, made a report upon the progress of the buildings under 
the contract, and of the state of the farm. 

The passage of the act of May, 1859, infused new confidence inio 
the movement. It placed $25,000 in the hands of the trustees at 
once, in addition to the $25,000 already collected by subscription, 
and there was little doubt felt that the other $25,000 could easily be 
raised, thus redeeming the additional $25,000 from the Legislature, 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 109 

aiul making- a total of ,$100,000 at tlic (lis|)(isal of tlu> trustws. 
With the main College building cdntracted for $or),000, there 
seemed to he an additional 8uri)lus (juite sufficient for erecting out- 
buildings and putting the fai-m into proper order for opening the 
Colleue. At a meeting of the l)oard, July 2, 1807, E. C. Humes 
was autliorized to draw upon the State ti'easury for $2."),000, in 
accordance with the act of May 20. 

The annual meeting of delegates for the election of trustees 
assembled Septendier 2, ISoT. Judge Watts, in the (bourse of an 
address delivered at that time, made the following statements, 
showing the financial condition of the College: 

" I must only detain you with a l)rief detail of our financial 
strenu'tli. We have received from our State society .$1 0,000, from 
citizens of Centre county $10,000, from the State i;25,()00. From 
the estate of the late Elliot Cresson S-"),00(), making in all $50,000. 
To complete the buildings and open the institution we must have 
$50,000, and this is provided for, if one half of the ainount be 
raised l)y individuals. We shall then have $100,000 with which 
we can then start this institution into active and useful operation at 
a rate of charge to each student of not over $100 per annum. All 
tiie influence and industry ive can exercise will go into the account, 
and if our judgment and management be approved, we shall not be 
allowed in this great C'ominonwealth to fiiil of such an object. The 
community understanding our aims, will not /et us fail. We nnist 
obtain the' $25,000 by individual contribution, and I say for myself 
oiilv Iv.'cause T am urged to say it, that I will be one of ten to givi' 
."^l,!)!):) each towards making up that amount." 

The speaker took his seat amidst the approbation of his auditors, 
and Gen. James Irvin offered to be one of ten to subscribe $1,000. 

Hon. James Miles pledged $1,000 for Erie and Crawford coun- 
ties. Hon. James Burnside thought Clinton county would be good 
enough for $1,000, and Cambria for $500. Hon. George Boal 
pledged Centre county for $1,000 in addition to the $10,000 already 
subscribed. Gen. Snodgrass pledged Allegheny county for $1,000. 
H. N. McAllister ottered to be one of twenty to give $500 each. 

Judge Hale arose and said : 

"Centre county has raised $10,000, and one of her distinguished 
citizens has given an equal value in land, and has just pledged 



110 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

another $1,000, followed by other conditional pledges from other of 
her citizens for yet another $1 ,500. 

" The president of this meeting, who has given so freely of his 
valuable time and abilities to all the details of the enterprise at the 
greatest sacrifice, has offered yet a sum of $1,000; now cannot we 
raise the balance of the sura wanted on the spot? I will pledge 
myself to raise $500 more, if we can thus accomplish this. Let 
us hear from all the counties represented. As to the location of 
the school, it must necessarily be located somewhere. It has been 
located here, and we are sensible of the advantages it brings to us, 
and have contributed very nearly one-fourth of the entire estimate 
of $100,000. Yet all other counties will have an equal right with 
us to send pupils, and we feel that we have a right to ask other 
counties to aid in the consummation of this great work of the 
State." 

Dr. J. R. Eshelman then pledged Chester county for $500 ; John 
Strohm pledged $500 for Lancaster. Several other pledges were 
given for all that could be done in other counties. 



FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES. 

Unfortunately for the funds of the school many of the above 
pledges were not redeemed, and the general depression of business 
which followed the financial panic of 1857, together with the failure 
of crops in some of the counties, almost put a stop to raising sub- 
scriptions. In the meantime, the work on the college buildings 
was progressing, and the constant drafts on the treasury warned the 
business committee that some effort must be made to obtain sub- 
scriptions. 

At two successive meetings of the board at this time, December, 
1857, and March, 1858, there was not a quorum of members present, 
and the business committee were, to a certain extent, left to their 
own resources in order to supply the constant demands upon the 
treasury. 

It now became more and more apparent that the -contractors 
would be unable to comply with the conditions of their contract, as 
it was evident that they had taken it at a price that would do little 



OF CENTRK COUNTY. Ill 

more tliaii iiu'ot half tlie expense involved in complying with the 
contract, and beinti- without means beyond those afforded by the 
trustees, and the latter having an empty treasury to draw upon, the 
])rospects of the school were anything but flattering. 

xVt this time there is no doubt the work would have been suspend- 
ed, and the Pennsylvania Agricultural College would soon, like a 
great many others in the United States, have been known only by 
the half finished works that marked the spot where it was intended 
to stand, had it not been for the indomitable perseverance and 
unremitting labor of the business committee, and more especially of 
H. N. JNIcAllister, the local trustee, in looking after its affairs. 

In addition to the $10,000 that the latter gentleman guaranteed 
for Centre county, in case the College were located upon the farm of 
Gen. James Irvin, he received nearly S(),000 by subscription from 
others in the county, to which he added $500 from his own i)ocket. 
He also visited a number of other counties, called meetings, and 
raised collections himself, or secured the services of others in 
doing so. 

During all this time the general control of the work on the col- 
lege buildings devolved upon him, and to meet the demand of the 
contractoi' he was obliged to advance several thousand dollars from 
his own pocket, trusting to raise it by subscriptions. The time to 
perform all this labor for the school was taken from a professional 
life already over-crowded with professional duties. It was done 
gratuitously, and all the expenses involved in travelling to collect 
money, hold meetings, or do other labor for the school, were jmid 
from his own pocket. It has been remarked that if for no other 
purpose, it \yere sufficient to locate the College in Centre county to 
secure the aid of a laborer so efficient and self-sacrificing in its 
behalf as the present local trustee. The thirteenth meeting of the 
board of trustees convened at the Farm School on the 16th of 
June, 1858. There were present Messrs. McAllister, Eyre, Hiester, 
Miles, Elwyn, and Watts, president. The president, as chairman of 
the business committee, reported that they had contracted with Gen. 
Irvin for the additional two hundred acres of land adjoining the 



112 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

two hundred he had donated. The committee further reported 
upon the progres^s of the building, stating the impossibility of the 
contractors being able to finish it. Whereupon they were vested, 
by the board, witli power to act as the emergency might demand in 
order to secure the erection of the building. 

H. N. McAllister, having been appointetl by the president to 
solicit donations, reported that Centre county had subscribed 
$5,769.64, but that a part of this Avas required to make up the 
$10,000 which he, with Messrs. Curtin and Hale, had paid over as 
the subscription of Centre county in order to secui'e the location of 
the College ; he, however, expressed his willingness to allow this 
balance on the $10,000 to remain unpaid, that the entire sum just 
collected, might be made available for securing an equal amount 
from the State, in accordance with the act of appropriation of 1857, 
provided that the amount yet due them from the Centre county sub- 
scription, be jaaid from other subscriptions, that might be obtained 
after all the money available from the State was obtained. This 
proviso was approved by the board. The financial affairs of the 
institution now presented the most serious problem for the solution 
of the board. 

The funds were exhausted, the contractors were about to fail, and 
the work of the basement walls not yet completed, while the coun- 
try was i^rostrated, under the influence of the financial crisis of the 
preceding year. It was resolved to present an address to the people 
of the State, setting forth the financial difficulties of the board, and 
to appoint suitable persons to solicit donations from the people ; and 
to meet the emergencies of the present, it was resolved to rais(> 
$5,000 upon the individual note of some of the members of 
the board. Under such circumstances many corporations would 
have at once broken up in despair, but the trustees of the Farm 
School, determined not to yield to these difficulties, made arrange- 
ments for the admission of pupils on the assumption that the 
building must he prepared for them. The conditions of admis- 
sion and course of instruction were settled upon, and it is not a 
little remarkable, that at that time, and under these difiiculties, and 



OF CENTlli: COl'XTY. llo 

relying wholly upon their ju<l<inieiil of what the College f-hould be, 
hut without any experience as to how it would meet the wants of 
the agricultural community, they laid down the general plan of 
ojieration for it, which has since been followed out, and is now 
proving successful. It was decided to carry up about one-third of 
the building, and coni})letc it for the admission of about one hun- 
dred students, leaving the other two-thirds with only the basement 
walls up. 

At this period, such seemed to be the hopelessness of completing 
the building that those who did not ap])reciate the impoi'tance of 
doing so, nor understand the devotion of the trustees, and more 
esjoecially of the building committee, to the cause they had espoused, 
did not think it ever could be comjileted ; and their policy of com- 
mencing a building sufficiently large to organizx' an Agricultural 
College was severely condemned, while a small school with an 
elementary course of instruction was pointed out as what could and 
should have been founded. To add to the discouragement of the 
ineml)ers of the board, who were determined that the work should 
not stop, one of the most prominent members who had labored hard 
for the cause from the beginning resigned, but his place was supplied 
at the next annual meeting of the delegates, September 1, 1858. 

At the fifteenth meeting of the board, December 8, 1858, it w-as 
resolved that the school be opened for students on the 16th of 
February, 1859, and measures were taken to apprise the people of 
the Commonwealth of the fact, as also of the terms and form of 
admission. As already remarked, it had IxM'ome evident that 
Turner A' Natcher would be unable to comply with the conditions 
of the contract. The work of preparing the building had therefore 
|)assed into the hands of the building committee, and they were 
urging it on with all possible s])eed to have the building ready for 
pupils at the appointed time ; and to mec^ the ex])ense involved in 
going on with the work, five of the trustees subscribed $500 from 
their own pockets, which enabled them to draw a corresponding- 
amount from the State, and they further authorized the president of 
the board to secure by loan an amount sufficient to finish and furnish 
the part to be prepared for the pupils. 



114 INDUSTRIE!? ANI> INSTITUTIONS 

The nineteenth meeting of the board of trustees was held at the 
College, December 7, 1859. In view of the financial affairs of the 
board and the unfinished state of the building, the Rev. Thomas P. 
Hunt was appointed to solicit donations for the College. Mr. Hunt 
entered up(jn his duties with characteristic earnestness, but it was 
soon found that the country had not yet sufficiently recovered from 
the financial crisis of 1857, to make it possible to raise money in 
this way, and the project was soon abandoned. 

The session of 1859 closed about the middle of December, and the 
trustees then thought that the success which had attended the effort 
under the diificulties, met in making it, would induce the Legisla- 
ture to afford means to complete the buildings. Accordingly, a bill 
asking money for this purpose was placed in the hands of one of the 
members, to be brought before the House of Representatives. The 
bill, however, never reached its second reading, and the College, 
incumbered with debt, and its building unfinished, left to struggle 
through another year, dependent, in part, for its existence upon the 
energy and enterprise and liberality of those who had already sacri- 
ficed so much to bring it thus far. 

The session of 1860 was inaugurated with a full school, while 
several who applied from other States, could not be admitted. The 
increased experience of the faculty in managing it, and the greater 
experience of the students in performing their duties, gave addi- 
tional hope of the ultimate success of the College, if its buildings 
only could be completed ; on the other hand it became equally 
evident that if they were not completed, the school must stop, and 
all the property accumulated be sacrificed to meet its debts. 

Successive appeals to private individuals had failed to secure the 
funds required. Being a State institution, and not a denominational 
school, it had not the advantage of being able to interest any .special 
sect in its favor. But, on the other hand, being an agricultural 
school, devoted to the agricultural interests of an agricultural State, 
and having originated in an effort of the State Agricultural Society, 
and having been aided in its origin by State appropriations, it 
became most appropriately an object for State patronage ; therefore. 



OF CKNTKE (X)UNTY. llo 

at a meeting of the board of trustees, held at the College, December 
5, 1860, it was 

Resolved, That the sum of $50,000 was necessary to finish the 
College buildings, and that an a}:)plication be made to the Legisla- 
ture at its a})i)roaching session to make an appropriation of that sum 
for this purpose. 

Measures were at once taken to secure the passage of an act 
making this appropriation. In the Senate the interests of the school 
would be ably represented by Colonel Gregg, who had labored so 
efficiently for the passage of the first appropriation, and in the 
House, where the greatest difficulty was anticipated, the College was 
fortunate in having the aid of the local member, Wni. C. Duncan, 
whose intelligent appreciation of the necessities of agricultural 
practice, and the financial difficulties of the institution, made him 
an able advocate in its favor. 

A few days after the close of the session of 1860, the bill to 
appropriate $50,000 was read in place by Wm. C. Duncan, in the 
House of Representatives, and referred to the committee of ways 
and means. The trustees of the College appeared before that com- 
mittee, and stated the aims, object, financial difficulties, and necessi- 
ties of the school. After the usual delays and hinderances common 
to legislation, the committee rendered a unanimous report in favor 
of the bill, and it only remained to bring it up for a second reading, 
to test the feeling of the House upon its merits. 

In the meantime, Mr. Duncan had espoused the cause of the bill 
with an earnestness and efficiency of action, and honesty of purpose 
which satisfied all its friends, that they were very fortunate in being 
able to intrust it to his hands. His honesty and uprightness of 
character, and personal acquaintance with all the leading friends of 
the school, and his knowledge of its necessity were sufficient guar- 
antees to his fellow members, that the money asked for was needed 
for the purpose stated, and not for aggrandizement of individual or 
local interests. 

Several of the county agricultural societies sent in letters and 
resolutions to the representatives, urging the passage of the bill, 



116 INDUSTKIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

while prominent friends of agricultural reform, from all part!< of 
the tState, either by letters to members in the Legislature, or by 
visiting Harrisburg and by talking with them themselves, advocated 
the passage of the bill, and the })olitical press, without regard to 
party, with singular unanimity, united with the agricultural press 
in urging the claims of the bill upon the Representatives of tlic 
people of our great agricultural State. The bill was finally brought 
to its second reading, when it passed with an overwhelming majority. 
A vote to suspend the rules which forbid the reading of the same 
bill twice in the same day, was carried, and the bill was read the 
third time, and thus passed the House. 

Col. Gregg had always assured the trustees that if the bill passed 
the lower House he would have no difficulty in securing its passage 
through the Senate — therefore, a few days after it passed the House, 
it passed the Senate and received the signature of the Governor, 
and became a law. 

Thus a great agricultural State was saved the disgrace of allow- 
ing an Agricultural College, it had attempted to found, to break up 
in the act of being founded, and $150,000 worth of property that 
was collected for this purpose, was saved from being sacrificed, and, 
on the other hand, our old Commonwealth has succeeded in bring- 
ing the first agricultural school in the United States into successful 
operation. 

Amongst those not members of the House who contributed to 
this result, the name of Hon. James T. Hale deserves especial men- 
tion as having, by his great influence as a public man, and a mem- 
ber of the board of trustees, done much for the passage of the bill ; 
as also did all the members of the board, and most particularly the 
business committee, who were prepared at all times to leave their 
own pressing duties as professional men at home, to attend to the 
advocacy of the bill while before the Legislature. 

The bill passed the Senate on the 10th of April, 1861. Fort 
Sumpter was bombarded about this time, and the country was in the 
midst of the excitement consequent thereon. 

The board met at the school, May 1st, 1861, and, notwithstand- 



OF CENTPvE COUNTY. 117 

ing the disturbed state of the country, caused by the rebellion, de- 
termined to ])roceed at once to the 

COMPLETION OF THE COLLEGE BUILDINGS. 

To this end, Messrs. Watts, McAllister and Pugh were appointed 
a committee to examine the plans for the building, and to make 
such modihcations of them as might seem advisable, and t<j take 
measures to have the walls up and the building roofed by the first 
of the following November. The committee at once advertised for 
sealed proposals to do the whole, or any part of the work, of putting 
\\\) the building. 

On opening the proposals thus obtained, that of George W. Tate 
of Bellefonte, was considered the most reasonable, and the com- 
mittee at once contracted with him to complete the entire building, 
excepting some items specified, for the sum of $41,500 — the build- 
ing to be under roof by the first of November, 18G1, and to be 
entirely completed by the first of Decend)er, 1862. The work of 
erecting the building was at once commenced, and was finally com- 
pleted in December, 1868. 

ENDOWMENT. 

In ii>(arlier yeai's the College was without endowment, and there- 
fore whijjiy dependent on the receipts from its students. As the 
entire rliarge for tuition, boarding, washing, lights, fuel, and the use 
of text-books, was only SlOO per year of forty weeks, the result, 
even in the cheap times preceding the rebellion, was a loss rather 
than a gain. Although the charges were afterwards increased so as 
to cover the actual expense of boarding and lodging, yet during the 
two years after the College was bound by the provisions of the 
Land Grant act, but before there was any income from the proceeds 
of that grant, a floating debt of considerable amount was incurred 
for ])urposes of instruction. 

The Congressional Lanrl Grant of July, 1862, was accepted by 



118 rXDUSTRTES AND INSTITUTIOXS 

the State of Pennsylvania, in 1863, and the scrip, for a small part 
of the 780,000 acres thus granted, was sold during the next four 
years. By the Legislature of 1867, the State board of commis- 
sioners of the Agricultural College Land Grant, consisting of the 
governor, the surveyor general and the auditor general, was instruct- 
ed to sell the reinaiiider of the scri]), invest nine-tenths of the whole 
proceeds, as required by the act of Congress, in bonds of the United 
States or of the State of Pennsylvania — the interest of which should 
be paid to the College — and hand over the remaining one-tenth to 
the trustees of the College, to be used in the purchase of experi- 
mental farms. 

The conditions upon which this fund was thus appropriated to 
the College were as follows : " That the trustees shall establish, con- 
duct and maintain, in connection with the College, three experi- 
mental farms, one near it, under the immediate supervision of the 
professor of agriculture in the institution ; another east, and the 
other west, upon lands of diversified quality, under the immediate 
supervision, respectively, of an assistant professor of agriculture. ' 

As a large amount of argicultural college land scrip had already 
been sold by other States, much of it at very low figures, and could 
be bought of speculators as low as sixty cents per acre, the entire 
proceeds of the grant to the State of Pennsylvania were only 
$439,186.80. Of this amount, $395,300.30 was invested in bonds, 
and $43,886.50 was held* for the purchase of expei-imental farms. 
As only $18,000 of this fund had been invested previous to 1867, 
the College realized but little income from this source, until after 
the investment of August, 1867 — the first instalment of interest 
from which became due February, 1868. The annual interest 
received by the State board was about $23,003 ; but as a portion of 
this was paid in gold, (which in 1808 brought a high premium,) the 
net income of the College from the endowment fund was, for several 
years more than $24,000 per annum. 

As the premium for gold diminished and the U. S. 5-20 bonds 
were liable to be called in for redemption at any time, in which case 
the i^remium paid for these bonds would be lost by the State, Hon. 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 110 

J. jM. Canij)l)i'll, surveyor general — one of the commissioners of the 
Agricultural College Land Pcrip Fund — recommended, in his 
official report for 1871, that these connnissioners should be author- 
ized to dispose of all the bonds belongiug to this i'und — which bonds, 
at current rates, would sell for nearly $407,000 — and invest the 
whole amount of proceeds in a bond of tlie State running for a long 
period. He also suggested that, in view of the fact that only the 
want of efficient legislation ])reventcd the sale of the land scrip at a 
much earlier date, Avhen the market was not overstocked and the 
scrip commanded a much higher price, it would be " highly proper 
and creditable to the State to add a sufficient sum to this fund to 
make it amount to $500,000." 

This suggestion was made a law by the act of April o, 1872, and 
there was issued a registered bond of the Commonwealth for 
$r)00,0!)0, payable to the Agricultural College Land Scrip Fund 
after fifty years, with interest at the rate oi' six per cent, per annum, 
payable semi-annually to the College. Since the passage of this act 
the College has been in recei])t of an annual income of $30,000 from 
its endowment fund. 

As already stated, the College had, before coming into [)ossession 
of this iiuome, incurred a considerable debt by endeavoring to bring 
its educational standard fully up to the requirements of the acts of 
Congress and of the Legislature. The interest of this debt and the 
annual grant of $6,000 to the Experimental Farms were a heavy 
drain on the College income. These outlays now having been 
reduced somewhat, and a sinking fund ol' $(),0t)0 per annum created 
for the extinguishment of the College debt, the financial outlook is 
more hopeful. It is, nevertheless, true that the other income of the 
College, derived from the farm, &c., must be managed very eccmom- 
ically in order to pay expenses not chargeable to the educational 
department and to make necessary repairs, as the law of Congress 
expressly prohibits the ap})lication of any jjortion of the fund, or 
the interest thereon, "directly or indirectly, under any jiretense 
whatever, to the purchase, erection, pi-eservation or repair of any 
buildins: or buildings." 



120 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 



DONATIONS. 

Donations of anioiints of $500 and over : 

Gen. Jas. Irvin, ..... $1,000 00 

Gen. Jas. Irvin, 200 acres of land, - - 12,000 00 

Frederick Watts, 500 00 

Aijricultural Society of Cumberland county, - 500 00 

Jas. Miles, - ' - - - - - 500 00 

A. O. Hiestcr, 500 00 

H. N. McAllister, . . . . . 500 00 

J. S. Haldeman, - - - - - - 500 00 

Simon Cameron, ..... 5()0 00 

Wm. M. Lyon, 500 00 

W. Bao-elcv, 500 00 

G. & J^ H: Shoeivberoer, .... 500 00 

K. F. Ross, - " - - - - - 500 00 

Moses Thompson, - 500 00 

Jas. T. Hale, 500 00 

F. Watts, note of $500, - - - - 500 00 

Jas. Kelly, ...... l,.500 00 

McAllister & Beaver, 1,300 00 

Elliot Cresson, .-.--- 5,000 00 

State of Pennsylvania, 99,900 00 

State Agricultnral Society, - - - 10,000 00 

Alleaheny Agricultural Society, - - - 1,000 00 

Evan Pugh, 1,273 46 



MODIFICATIONS OF PLANS AND METHODS. 

The Pennsylvania State College was originally organized under 
the name of the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania, and was 
familiarly known in the vicinity as the Farm School. The intention 
of the first board of trustees Avas to found a school as strictly agri- 
cultural ill its scheme of education as possible ; and, moreover, it 
was to be for the direct benefit of the agricultural classes. For these 
reasons it was located at a distance from any town or city, and was 
provided with a large farm, on which it was designed to conduct 
experiments and give facilities for practice in every department of 



OF CKNTRE COUNTY. 



121 



ao-riciilture. In its course of instruction no direct provision ^vas 
nitule for any studies aside from those supposed to bear up(jn tliis 
subject. Manual labor, in connection with study, was ])lainly stated 
as one of the distinctive features of thc! institution, and was rigidly 
enforced. It was considered necessary in order to ext]ni)liiy the 
so-called principle of the " dignity of labor," also as a nu ans of 
exercise and as being essential to a correct understanding of both 
the theory and practice of agriculture. 

In 1802 the name was changed to the Agricultural College of 
Pennsylvania. In 1807 the manual labor system was summarily 
abandoned, and, in addition to a course in agriculture, courses in 
general science and literature were added. The cours(>s were also 
raised in grade and a higher standard of education was aimed at. 
Students having die leisure thne and desiring to work, were allowed 
to do so arid were ])aid for their labor. In 1809 this plan was 
entirely changed. Manual labor was again introduced, though in a 
partially modified form; tiie different courses of study were lowered 
in their grade, and were not sharply defined from one another. 
From that time to the present the changes have been gradual an.d 
principally towards enlarging and perfecting the different courses — 
scientific, agricultural and classical — and i)lacing them upon an 
equal footing. Hence the name Agricultural College failed to 
express the full character of the institution, and it was accordingly 
changed to the Pennsylvania State College, by which name it is now 
known. Corresponding with these changes in name and courses of 
study have been many others. Formerly there was but one term 
per year, opening the last week in Fel)rnary and extending to the 
first week in December. Later two terms were substituted, the 
longer interval or vacation being in summer. In 1800 the vaca- 
tions were fixed at eight weeks in winter and four in summer. This 
arrangement was continued vuitil 1870, ^^hen the College year was 
divided into three terms: one of sixteen and two of twelve weeks 
each, leaving three vacations of three, one, and eight weeks respect- 
ively. For many years the College maintained its own boarding 
house and laundry ; now it has given them into [)rivate hands. 



l22 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

During the first years students were obliged to labor three hours per 
day ; now labor is six hours per week, and in the higher classes 
laboratory work is considered an equivalent, while students boarding 
or supporting themselves are excused from a number of hours cor- 
responding to the time thus employed. In general, it may be 
remarked, that all the changes of recent years have been such as 
bring the College somewhat nearer in character to the ordinary 
collegiate institutions of the State and country; but that these 
changes, while removing evils Avhich experience made manifest, still 
faithfully keep in view the chief purpose of the founders of the 
institution, and maintain its distinctive method of imparting instruc- 
tion practically as well as theoretically. 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 123 



PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. 



THE BELLEFONTE AND SNOW SHOE RAILROAD. 

^pHE company owning this road is composed mostly of Philadel- 
Ml^I phians, nearly all of whom are Quakers, or Friends. It was 
'<f§iif organized in 1857, immediately after which the construction 
of the road was commenced. The line extends from Bellefonte to 
Bnow Rhoc, a distar.c3 of twenty-six miles, where the company owned 
forty-six thousand acres of valuable timber and coal lands, i)urchas- 
ed of J. Gratz, of Philadelphia. The road was completed in 1859, 
at a cost of eight tliousand two hundred and fifty-nine dollars and 
some cents per mile, all of which was paid as the work proceeded, 
leaving the company free from debt, when the first train passed over 
the track. This road was the first, and until 1864, the only one in 
operation in Centre county. 

About the time the road was completed the Snow Shoe Land 
Association, composed of members of the railroad company, was 
organized, and purchased the entire tract of forty-six thousand acres 
held by the latter comjiany, and subsequently re-sold to that corpo- 
ration three thousand acres, which include the tract on which the 
town and mines are located. 

After leaving Milesburg the road runs up the Bald Eagle valley 
with an average rise of about twenty feet to the mile, as far as the 
Intersection. Leaving the valley at this point the ascending grade 
is sixty feet per mile, until the base of the Allegheny mountain is 



124 IjSdu.stkies and INSTITUTION.S 

reached, the as:ent of which is made by what i, called the " switch- 
back" system, au elevation of eight hundred and sixty feet being 
acquired in an actual distance of about four miles. Owing to the 
zigzag course necessarily followed by the road in climbing the 
mountain, it has a length of track three miles more than the air- 
line distance. In other words, the road runs, seven miles to gain 
four, at an average grade of one hundred and twenty feet per mile- 
Snow Shoe is eight hundred and eighty-six feet higher than Miles- 
burg, and fifteen hundred and sixty-five above the level of the sea. 

Underlying a large portion of the Snow Shoe lands are several 
workable veins of the best quality of bituminous coal, aggregating 
a thickness of not less than twenty-five feet. Coal, it is said, was 
first mined on these lands as early as 1812, when it had to be hauled 
over rough roads in wagons. At present tlie company works three 
diflerent mines, with a force of about sixty men ; generally about 
one hundred are employed. If the demand i*equired it there could 
be j)rodueed from these mines seven hundred and fifty tojis dail3^ 
Shipments, heretofore made, have amounted to four hundred tons 
a day. 

The lands connected with the road not oidy contain cxten-ive 
deposits of coal and iron ore, but a large extent of the surface is 
covered with valuable timber, and the manufacture of lumber has 
been conducted more or less extensively on the property ever since 
the road was built; in addition to which a large quantity of char- 
coal is burned each year, not less than ten thousand cords of wood 
being consumed every season for that purpose. 

Aside from their lands and railroad the property of the company 
consists of about one hundred biuldings at Snow Shoe, including a 
fine hotel, capable of accommodating seventy-five or eighty guests; 
and about sixty miners' houses, five locomotives and a hundred cars ; 
also a round-house and repair shoi)s at Bellefonte. 

The road is in good order, well ballasted the entire length, and 
laid with oak cross-ties. Between Bellefonte and Milesburg the rails 
are principally steel. No iatal accident has ever happened on the 
road, every precaution being taken by both managers and employees 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 125 

to prevent such an occurrence. By the use of Wharton's safety 
switch the danger of running off the end of the track at the 
mountain switches is wholly obviated, for in case the switch should 
be turned wrong the train would be carried on to the main track. 

The present officers of the road are: Richard H. Downing, 
President; Wistar Morris, Jacob P. Jones, AVilliam Helmc, of 
Philadelphia, and Robert Valentine, of Bellefonte, Directors; Gen- 
eral Superintendent and Treasurer, Daniel Rhoads, of Bellefonte • 
Chief Engineer, James L. Sommerville, also of Bellefonte. To the 
tourist, there can be no more interesting trip than a ride from 
Bellefonte to Snow Shoe over this road. The scenery along the 
route is truly grand ; for a few miles evidences of civilization and 
progress meet the eye on either side, then the traveller is ushered 
into and along a valley that grows wilder and more picturesque the 
further it is penetrated. As the mountain is being ascended new 
scenes of grandeur and beauty appear. S])read out far to the south 
may be seen the wildest view imaginable. To the dwellers in large 
cities, unaccustomed to mountain scenery, this sight must indeed be 
inspiring, and all such should avail themselves of the first oppor- 
tunity to witness its beauties. 

THE BALD EAGLE VALLEY RAILBOAD. 

In 1838 W. E. Morris, C. E., made a survey for a railroad up 
the valley of the Bald Eagle " to demonstrate the practicability of 
passing the summit of the Allegheny mountain at Emeigh's Gap, in 
Centre county, at a maximum grade of forty-five feet per mile, and 
forming an important link in the great chain of railroad communi- 
cation betw'een Philadelphia and Pittsburg, with moderate grades 
and without inclined planes." Owing to the depressed financial con- 
dition of the country at that time, the project was abandoned. 

" In 1853 a charter was granted to a number of gentlemen to 
build a railroad from the Sunbury and Erie (now Philadelphia and 
Erie) at Lock Haven to the Pennsylvania railroad at Tyrone ; and 
at an early day a survey was made, which determined a route free 



126 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

from iini)ediment?, and challenging an equal in Pennsylvania for 
cheapness, and fecility of construction of a lirst-cla.ss road." 

" In the fall of 185o an effort was made to secure a subscription 
to its capital stock suiiicient to warrant its commencement. An 
offer was made ' that if three iuindrcd and fifty thousand dollars 
were subscribed by the citizens of Clinton, Centre and Blair coun- 
ties, the balance required to complete the road would be furnished 
from abroad.' The sum of two hundred and eighty thousand 
dollars was promptly subscribed, and the remainder was not obtain- 
ed, mainly for the want of effort on the part of the committee 
appointed for that purpose, and the project \vas permitted to lan- 
guish for the want of official direction." 

" In the fall of 1856 the friends of the enterprise concluded to 
divide the road into two divisions ; the eastern division extending 
from Lock Haven to jVIilesburg, and the western division extending 
from Milesburg to Tyrone." 

At a meeting of the directors held January 12, 1857, it was 
found that the provisions of the original act of incorporation " were 
wanting in that liberality and efficiency that should characterize 
our railroad-making system." Accordingly a new charter was ap- 
plied for, and obtained on the 21st of February, 1857, and a new 
company organized April 13, 1857, consisting of the following gen- 
tlemen : James Irvin, Wm. A. Thomas, Edward C. Humes, James 
Buruside, John T. Hoover, Edmund Blanchard, Samuel Linn, H. 
N. McAllister, William Underwood, John Adams, John Thompson 
and T. M. Hall of Centre county, L. A. Mackey, J. S. Furst and 
Samuel McCormick of Clinton county, and J. T. Mathias of Blair 
county. 

The capital stock of the company consisted of ten thousand shares 
of fifty dollars each, with the privilege of increasing to twenty thou- 
sand shares. 

Work on the road progressed slowly for various reasons, till 1864, 
when it was completed. The following are the names and residences 
of the present officers : L. A. Mackey, Lock Haven, president ; 
Thomas A. Scott, Philadelphia, Andrew G. Curtin and William P. 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 127 

Wilson, Bellefonte, James (xanible, Willianisport, Amos C. Noyes, 
Westport, aiul Charles A. Mayer, Lock Haven, directors; S. 8. 
Blair, Tyrone, superintendent ; H. T. Beardsley, Lock Haven, secre- 
tary and treasurer. 

This road is now maintained and operated by the Pennsylvania 
railroad company, under a lease for ninety-nine years, dated Decem- 
ber 7, 1864. 

The Tyrone and C'leartield railroad passes across the southwestern 
portion of the county. It was completed as far as Philipsburg in 
the fall of 1863, and afiorded, for that })lace, a much needed outlet. 
The advantages to the county, derived from this road, are confined 
])rincipa]ly to that part lying upon the western slope of the Alle- 
gheny mountain ; Philips1)urg and vicinity being especially bene- 
fitted by its construction. Powelton and Sandy Ridge are quite 
important stations south of Philipsburg. The former is a shipping 
{)oint for coal mined in the neighl)orhood. At Sandy Ridge there 
is an extensive fire-brick manufactory, the productions of which 
find their way to various markets over this road. 

The Susquehanna river and North and West Branch Telegraph 
Company was incorporated on the 9th day of April, 1849, for the 
purpose of constructing a telegraph line "from the point where the 
Susquehanna river intersects the boundary line between the states 
of Pennsylvania and Maryland " and extend up the north and west 
branches of that river, with branch lines, &c., one of which termi- 
nated at Bellefonte; and continued in use till the completion of the 
Bald Eagle Valley railroad, when it was abandoned. James Burn- 
side, James Irvin and John P. Pack(>r were members of the 
corporation for Centre county. 

LE WISE UR G, CENTRE & SPR IJGE CREEK RAILR OAD. 

This road was first projected about the year 1850, and preliminary 
measures taken to secure its construction by the following gentle- 
men : David Duncan and Peter AVilson, of Spring Mills ; George 
Boal, of Boalsburg ; Samuel jNIc Williams and W. C. Duncan, of 



128 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

Millheim; Dr. Charles Coburn, of Atironsburg ; Col. Paxtoii, of 
Catawissa ; Hon. John Walls, Hon. Eli Slifer and Hon. George F. 
Miller, of Lcwisburg ; Dr. Samuel Btrohecker, of Rcbcrsburg ; Moses 
Thompson, of Lemont ; Judge Lewis, of Philadelphia ; Hon. Samuel 
Calvin, of Hollidaysburg, and others. 

In 1854 the subscriptions to stock amounted to about two hundred 
thousand dollars, and a charter was then obtained ; but by a resolu- 
tion of the boai'd of directors the undertaking was, for a time, 
abandoned because of the difficulty, if not the impossibility, of 
raising the recpiired amount of money. In 1868 the charter of this 
company was transfei-red to the Atlantic and Great Western railway 
company, but little or nothing was done by that corporation toward 
building the road, and the charter was returned to the original 
company, and afterward transferred to the Pennsylvania railroad 
company, soon after which the branch from Montandon to Lewis- 
burg was constructed. Subsequently, the road was extended to 
MifSinburg, Union county, and then, through a committee con- 
sisting of George F. Miller, of Lewisburg, Wm. Philips, of Pittsburg, 
and James P. Coburn, Esq., of Aaronsburg, the bonds of this 
company, amounting to $2,000,000, were negotiated with Mr. 
Thompson, president of the Pennsylvania railroad company, for its 
construction, which completed the road to Spring Mills, Centre 
county, in July, 1877. Up to this time the local subscriptions 
amounted to $180,000, which was expended in grading the road in 
Centre county, a condition upon which the Pennsylvania railroad 
company agreed to equip and operate the same. 

There are now about eleven miles of the road in oi^eration in 
Centre county and thirty miles more to build, of which fifteen are 
graded, with a prospect of its completion as soon as the times become 
more favorable. The present board of directors is composed of the 
following persons : president, Hon. Eli Slifer of Lewisburg ; vice 
president, Strickland Kneass of Philadelphia; J. P. Coburn of 
Aaronsburg, J. N. DuBarry, J. Howard, Esq., Wistar Morris, 
George B. Roberts of Philadelphia, and George F. Miller of 



OF CKNTUK COUNTY. 12!) 

TA>\visbui-g ; secretary and treasurer, J. K. McClure of Fliihuklphia ; 
superinteiuU'iit, Thonuis Guckor of Williainsport. 

TURNPIKES, &c. 

At an eai-ly period in the history of Centre county " turnpikes " 
or "artitieial roads" were constructed for the benefit of the travel- 
ing public. In many instances the labor required in opening these 
thoroughfares was very great. Sometimes they passed through 
heavily timbered tracts, and often it became necessary, in their 
construction, to remove large bodies of earth and rock, and bridge 
streams of considerable size. It should be borne in mind that 
similar undertakings at the present day can be much more easily 
and cheaply accomplished than in former times, owing to the supe- 
rior facilities now obtainable. 

In 1810 the Buffalo and Penn's valley turnpike company was 
incorporated, and constructed a turnpike from Sunbury, Northum- 
berland county, to Aaronsburg, Centre county. 

On the 29th of March, 1819, five companies were incorporated — 
one authorized to build an "artificial road" from Northumberland, 
Northumberland county, to Youngmanstown (now Mifflinburg, 
Union county); and one, consisting of the following j^ersons, to 
build a road from Youngmanstown to Aaronsburg, Centre county: 
George Latimer of Philadeli)hia, William Whitman of Berks coun- 
ty, John Driesbaugh, John Wilson and Henry Roush of Union 
county, and James Duncan of Centre ; another, with the following 
gentlemen as incorporatxjrs, to construct a road from Aaronsburg to 
Bellefonte-: Richard Wistar of Philadelphia, J. K. Boyer of Berks 
county, Michael Bolinger, John Keen, William IrAvin, John Furey 
and John Mitchel of Centre county ; and another, to extend the 
road to Philipsburg: Simon Gratz of Piiiladelphia, Thos. Burnside, 
J. M. Fox, Joseph Miles, Roland Curtin, John Rankin and James 
Forster, composing the company; and still another, to complete the 
line to the Susquehanna river, in Clearfield county : Hardman 



130 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

Plii]i{)S, John Loraiiie, William Baghshaw and Jacob Te^t represent- 
ed Centre county in this company. 

The Centre and Kishacoquillas turnpike company was incorpo- 
rated in 1820. Gen. Philip Banner was the first president, and the 
following named gentlemen constituted the first board of managers : 
Jolui Furey, Jacob Valentine, William W. Potter, Dr. William I. 
Wilson, (now residing at Potter's Mills, the only one of the original 
members who is still living,) W. H. Patterson, James Patton, Wm. 
Brown, Jr., John Johnson, Robert W. Jacobs, James Criswell, E. B. 
Patterson, and John Norris treasurer. This thoroughlare was for 
many years a most im];)()rtant one, but since railroads have become 
so numerous throughout the country turnpikes have been used less 
than formerly, this being no exception to the rule. It originally 
extended from Bellefonte to Reedsville, Mifflin county, a distance of 
about twenty-five miles, but in 1871 that portion between Milroy 
and the southern terminus was abandoned, which leaves about 
twenty-one miles now under the control of the corporation. The 
present officers are : John Irwin, Jr., president, with Robert Valen- 
tine, Gen. James A. Beaver and Win. M. Allison as managers, and 
W. P. Wilson treasurer and secretary. 

In 1825 or u company was organized to build a turnpike from 
Potter's old fort to the Juniata turnpike, and A])ril 10, 1828, the 
.Snow Shoe and Packerville turnpike company was granted authority 
by the Legislature to build a turnpike from Know Shoe, Centre 
county, to Packerville, Clearfield county. 

March 80, 1832, the Bald Eagle, Nittany and Bellefi)nte turnpike 
road company was incorporated, the charter being granted to the 
following persons: W. W. Huston, George Bressler, James Brown, 
Isaac McKinney, Thomas Burnside, S. H. Wilson, Robert Tate, 
William Carner and John Rankin. The road was commenced at 
Mill Hall, (now in CUinton county,) and passing through Fishing 
creek gap, up Nittany valley, terminated at Bellefonte. On the 
same date an act was passed incor})orating the Bald Eagle and 
Nittany valley turnpike and railroad company, Avith the following 
commissioners authorized to open books for sul)scriptions, &c. : Wm. 



OF CKMTRE ('(HXTY. 



i:n. 



Sinytli, Isanc ]\IcKiniiey, W. A. Thomas, Joseph Harris and Joseph 
JMonto-oniery. This corporation was empowered " to coiistruet a 
turnpike or railroad from a jjoiiit at or near Shank's bridge, on tlio 
Bald Eagle creek, to a i)oint on the Great Island road between 
James Hutchinson's and Black Horse tavern." 

On the 14th of April, 18o4, the Bald Eagle, Nittany and Brush 
valley turnpike road company was incorporated for the purpose of 
building a turnpike from the Bald Eagle bridge through Nittany 
valley to the Brush valley road in Miles township. John Shaffer, 
Philip Reitzel, Samuel McKee, Philip Walker, William Devling, 
John Henderson, James Brown, S. H. Wilson, Daniel Hackenburg 
and Philip Krebs constituted the company. 

The Bald Eagle and Clearfield turnpike road company was 
organized June 25, l8o7, to build a road from the mouth of Beech 
creek to connect with the Snow Shoe and Packerville turnpike, in 
Clearfield county. Thomas Burnside and John Mitchel were the 
members of the company from Bellefonte. 

April 2o, 1844, the Old Fort and Spruce creek turnpike road 
company was chartered. This road connected Potter's Old Fort, 
via. Boalsburg, with the " town of Water Street," in Huntingdon 
county. Among the incorporators were : Patton Lyon, Geo. Boal, 
John Irvine, Jr., James Potter and O. P. Duncan. 

In 1861 a company was organized to construct a turnpike from 
Bellefonte to near Washington furnace, in Clinton county. The 
following are the gentlemen to whom the charter was granted : 
Thomas Huston, A. Carner, Henry McEwen, George Sw^artz, James 
Gordon, John J. Gregg, Thomas McKean, Jacob Struble, E. C. 
Huraes, H. N. McAllistei-. Jacob V. Thomas, E. Blanchard and 
A. L. Valentine. 

On the 14th of April, 1834, the Bald Eagle and Spring Creek 
navigation company was incorporated, with authority to construct a 
canal from the state works at Lock Haven to Bellefonte, a distance 
of twenty-five miles. This work was completed in 1846, at a cost of 
a little more than $11,500 per mile. It had twenty-two lift locks, 
six guard locks and ten dams. The company was composed of the 



132 IXDUSTKIES AND IiN'STITUTION.S 

following incnibers: Roland Curtin, Thomas' Burnside, Bond Valen- 
tine, James Irvin, William W. Potter, Joseph Harris, Joseph Miles, 
John Rankin and Andrew Gregg, Jr., of Centre county, and 
Ricliard Peters and Jacob Lex of Philadelphia. 

The opening of this canal was an important event in the history 
of Belief onte and the Bald Eagle valley, aifording, as it did, a 
greatly desired means of transportation for the products of the forest 
and farm, as well as those of the furnace and forge. After the 
completion of the Bald Eagle valley railroad the western portion of 
the canal was abandoned, having been rendered unnavigable by the 
extraordinary freshet of l'^65. 

"In 1849 a plank road was located from the canal at Milesburg 
to the Pennsylvania railroad at Tyrone, thirty-one miles in length. 
At Unionville, six miles west of Milesburg, it was made to connect 
with the Bellefonte and Philipsburg turnpike. From this point to 
Tyrone, a distance of twenty-five miles, the j)lank road was opened 
in 1852. Through a part of the valley, prior to this, there was no 
road at all, and a masterly inactivity characterized the inhabitants 
of the whole district. Tyrone city contained three dwellings, and 
the few little towns in the valley assented to the description of the 
Deserted Village. The freight and travel that arrived at Bald 
Eagle furnace, from Clearfield and the adjoining counties, was 
carried over th3 mountains to Spruce Creek, twelve miles distant. 
No sooner was the i)lank road opened than the business of the 
county increased at an unprecedented rate. Farms were opened 
up, mills were erected, furnaces put in operation, roads constructed, 
and trade and travel sought this route." 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. lo3 



PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 



By HENRY MEYER, County Superintende'iTl. 



THE FIRST SCHOOLS 

^^HE first school house in Centre county was situated about 



i| three and a half miles east of the Old Fort, Penn's valley. 
'^i0f' No definite information about this school or its teachers could 
be obtained. The house must have been erected a hundred years 
ago. In the eastern part of Penn's valley, which was settled but a 
few years later than the region about the Old Fort, Mr. Jacob 
Stover, " for and in consideration of promoting literature and learn- 
ing," donated, on the 15th day of December, 1789, a tract of land 
containing seven acres, "for the use of a school and the master 
thereof." A double house, one room of which was designed for the 
" blaster" and his family, was erected some time after, but at what 
date is unknown. This school seems to have been the only one in 
this section of the valley for a nundier of years, and was quite 
famous for that period. Some scholars had to go a distance of three 
or four miles to attend it. The land is still held in trust, but the 
present school is in operation under the free school system and is 
known as " Wolf's School." The old log school house has disap- 
peared long since and the present house was put up by the school 
board of Haines district. It is located on the pike about two miles 
east of Aaronsburg. 

At Millheim both English and German schools were opened as 
early as the year 1797, probably before that time. The first school 



lo4 rXDUSTRIES AND INSTITI'TIONS 

house \va8 located on a lot now occupied by ISIr. Jacob Snook.« 
buildings. The first school house in the neighborhood of Spring 
Mills and Penn Hall was situated a short distance east of the 
latter village near the cemetery. In the western section of Penn's 
valley the first school of which there is any definite knowledge 
was held in the year 1800, in a ])rivate house situated near the 
end of Nittany mountain within a short distance of the present 
village of Lemont. The school was opened by a Mr. Daniel 
O'Bryan, who, it seems, was not deficient in resources to meet 
certain emergencies, for when, on a certain occasion, the boys 
" barred " him out, he climbed the roof of the house, dropped 
brimstone down the chimney and smoked the young rebels out. 
A school was taught at Pine Grove by a Mr. Van Horn in the 
year 1819, which seems to have been the first in that section. 
The pioneer school house of Brush valley was erected about the year 
1800, and was located on lands now owned by Mr. Wm. Walker 
near the main road about two and a half n)iles east of the present 
town of Rebersburg. Like all tlu; school houses of that period it 
w^as built of logs and furnished with slab lienches. The first teachers 
w^ere Fred Gettig and Joseph Hunt. In 1796 the lot now occupied 
by the Lutheran and Reformed churches at Rebersburg was pur- 
chased " for the purpose of a site of a school or schools, or the site of 
a church or churches," and a double school house was built on it 
about the year 1806. One part of the building was set apart for 
the use of the teacher and his family, but afterwards was fitted uj) 
for a German school, so there were, for a time, two schools, German 
and English, in the same building. In connection with his duties of 
the school room, the teacher of the school was required, usually, to 
lead singing in the church which was standing on the same lot. 
Most of the early schools in German districts were connected witli 
the church, and, to some extent, under the supervision of the minis- 
ters. This custom was brought from Germany. In the neighbor- 
hood of the present villages of Snydertown and Hublersburg, 
Nittany valley, schools were in operation as early as 1812. At 
Bellefonte schools nuist have been in existence at an earlier day. 



OF (nONTRE COUNTY. Kv") 

The earlv scliools of Stormstown, Halfniooii viillev, were attended 
by some pin)ils from the ])re!^eiit viUauv of Port Matihhv, liahl Pla^de 
valley, a distaiiee of three or four miles and aeross the Muiiey 
mountains. The fii'st sehool house in Hald Eagle valley was ereeted 
within the present limits of Milesburg. When the house was built 
is not known. It was a log cabin and its location was at tlie lower 
end of town near the site of the present school building. A ]\Ir. 
McAfullen Avas teaching a school here about the year 1800. But as 
this <ection was settled as early as the year 1768 there must have 
been schools before. James Hall taught a school at Plum Grove, 
about three jniles west of Milesburg, in 1818. About the same 
period he taught at Unionville, McCormick's Run and Dick's Run. 
At Martha I'urnace and Port JNIatilda schools were in existence as 
early as 1812. The first school in the neighborhood of Howard, in 
reference to which any ])ositive infoi'mation could be obtained, was 
taught by S. Garret in an old log church al)out the year 181H. It 
was German. About the same time an English sehool was taught 
by James Parkison and Amos Packer. This sehool was held in an 
old log cabin on the north >id(' of P)ald Eagle creek opposite Howard 
borough. Philip^burg, Rush township, was founded in 171>4, an(] 
the first .school about which there is any definite knowledge was a, 
night school taught in 181!) by Charles Simler, a Revolutionary 
soldier who came to this country with LaFayette. A day school 
was soon after conducted in her own dwelling by iNIi's. McCloskey. 
Mr. Ward, an English gentleman, a yeai- or two later, taught a 
night school in tlui same place. He was followed prior to 1825 by 
flohu Matthias, an accomplished scholar from Philadelphia. These 
latter teaciiers held their schools in the Union church, still standing- 
near the ])resent school house. 

THE PIONEER SCHOOL HOUSE. 

In early times, when settlers were few and scattered, schools were 
usually held in a room of sonu^ dwelling house ; but as the jjopula- 
tion inei'eased and the need of !)etter accommodation was felt, the 



136 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

citizens of a neighborhood met, and, by their joint and voluntary 
labor put up a school house. The architecture of the pioneer school 
liouse was extremely rude and simple. It was an oblong cabin, 
built of unhewn logs, with a log chimney at one end, well plastered 
with mud ; light was expected to struggle through greased paper, 
fastened across an opening in the side of the cabin ; the house was 
covered with slaps or "clap-boards;" but ventilation was all that 
the most ardent advocate for pure air could desire. The articles of 
furniture were few and simple, consisting of one row of desks ranged 
round and facing the walls of the house — for the big boys and girls, 
sundry slab benches in the centre of the room for the smaller pupils, 
and a bunch of rods as an auxiliary to government. In course (.)f 
time improvements were added ; houses assumed a more respectable 
appearance, the slab benches were replaced by others more comforta- 
ble ; stoves were introduced, and blackboards, as large as an ordinary 
slate, were hung under the ceiling — more for the name of the thing 
than for use. 

THE OLD TEACHERS. 

With here and there an exce^Jtion the school masters of the past 
generation were deficient in nearly all the qualities that make the 
good teacher. They Avere intemperate, tyranical, illiterate; and 
considered unfit for any business except school teaching. We hear 
of many who used profane language in school, and had habitually 
a bottle of whiskey secreted somewhere about the school house. 
They were not expected to teach anything except the three " R's," 
and if one made application for a school, his head was not probed 
seriously by officials to fathom the profundity of his knowledge. 
Proficiency in writing, skill in making quill pens and physical vigor 
to " thrash " unruly boys — were the qualifications that commended 
bim most to his patrons ; and his prerogative of flogging he usually 
exercised to an amazing degree. He was more lavish than discrim- 
inating in meting out punishments. If some luckless urchin among 
a number of still more luckless mates fell into mischief, the teacher 



OF CKNTRE COUNTY. 137 

(lid not waste time endf^ivoring to discover the culprit but seized one 
of his long- rods and flogged the whole row simultaneously. 

The foregoing description applies mainly to the teachers of sparse- 
ly settled districts Avhere teaching did not pay very well ; in a few 
jiopulous und wealthy districts were maintained good schools, open 
nearly the whole year round, and in charge of better instructors. 

A sketch of the schools and teachers of the past would be incom- 
plete without an allusion to a custom the pupils religiously observed 
of annuallv "barring out" the master, which custom has existed 
from time immemorial, but, happily, has now nearly died out. The 
stratagems employed by the ]Kipils to circumvent the master and 
the strategv of the latter to frustrate the plans of the former were 
often highly amusing to outsiders, but in consequences to the pupils 
sometimes fearful. As a representative case the following is given — 
yet with some doubts as to the propriety of crowding out more im- 
portant matter: In the village of R , many years ago, a teacher, 

who was a strict disciplinarian of the old type, took charge of one 
of the schools ; about the usual time he observed, by certain unmis- 
takable prognostications, that the "barring out" spirit was rapidly 
developing itself among half a dozen of the larger boys, and by 
some means learned the day when it would mature. Both teachers 
and scholars usually took dinner at home. On the eventful day the 
conspirators hurried home for dinner — the teacher not — and soon 
returned with hammer and nails and in a few minutes the house 
was prepared to withstand a long seige — when, to their intense dis- 
may and disgust, they beheld the cunning master coming down 
through the ceiling with a bunch of rods ! There was a lively time 
in that room for about fifteen minutes, there was screaming and 
scrambling, fragments of rods were flying in every direction ; doors 
and windows had been well secured, and the last of the six received 
his portion while suspended in one of the windows where the 
teacher caught him by his feet in time to interrupt escape. 



l;)(S INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

OLD METHOD OF TEACHING. 

Spelliuii;, readii}g, ^Yriting and arithmetic were about the only 
branches taught before tlie adoption of the coninion school sy.stem. 
There were no vexatious complications of scientific principles in the 
old method of instruction ; it was by constant repetition in a hum- 
drum way that the pupil acquired a meager knowledge of the few 
branches then constituting the course of study. It was not the love 
of learning that lured the student on to new conquests in science 
and literature ; the master's portentous frown which greeted indif- 
ferent recitations was about the only force that propelled him slowly 
forward. There was but one way of teaching the alphabet, and 
that was to begin at either extreme and name all the letters in order 
at every recitation : thus in course of time the pupil could repeat it 
both ways from memory and still not name the letters seimrately. 

Finally, the master began to think the pupil ought to know his 
letters, became impatient, seized him by the ear, pointed to a letter 
and yelled, " AVhat is that f and the trembling disciple was com- 
pelled to endure the torture until he could repeat the letters 
mentally from either end, which ever would be the most convenient 
to the letter under the master's finger, and name it. Pupils were 
generally kept in the alphabet until they knew all their letters, if it 
did require several years' labor; and after the spelling-book was put 
into their hands, they were obliged to go through it njjiny times 
before taking up reading. Reading was nothing more than calling 
or miscalling the words of a lesson. Tiie teacher knew nothing 
about " elementary sounds," and, of course, did not attempt to give 
any drills on them ; hence, in German speaking districts they seldom 
succeeded in teaching pu})ils to pronounce certain Englisli w(jrd.s 
correctly. Meeting such words in an exercise puj^ils were required 
to pronounce them over and over, and after repeated failures the 
teacher would dismiss the subject by calling the pupils block-heads. 
Writing received considerable attention. The advancetl pupils were 
in the habit of recording with great care the solution of questions 
in written arithmetic in blank books prepared for that purpose. 



OF (m:ntuk (hh'Nty. 



l:5i> 



These book;* w^mt intended to be liighly onnuuental, the lUMiiuansliij) 
being of various styh's, intersi)ersed with druwings of aninial.s — all 
executed in different kinds of lionie-nuuU' ink, black. I'cd, yellow 
and blue. Yet, if a small boy so tar forgot himself— and the master 
— as to make a picture on his slate he was severely punisheil for the 
lieinous crime. In arithmetic it was the utmost bound of a scholar's 
ambition to " cipher" through the " Double Rule of Three." T'here 
were no classes ; each one plodded along by himself and worked for 
the answer in a mechanical way without any effort to understand 
the principles underlying an operation. What problems he could 
not " do," the teacher solved lor him ; they w^ere then carefully 
recorded in the blank book, and there remained. "Spelling, geogra- 
})hy and English grammar were taught out of one text book, viz: 
Bverly's Speller. The geography consisted in naming all the States 
and their capitals then in the Union, and the grammar in defining 
the w^ords that are pronounced alike but different in o)-thography 
and signification." German was taught to some extent in nearly 
all the schools of German districts, and in some as late as the year 
1866, if not later. Since this language has been abandoned in the 
common schools it is taught in night schools occasionally in certain 
districts. To the Pennsylvanian German, the study of this language 
])resents but t'e\x obstacles, while English is as unintelligible to him 
as Hebrew. • 

The selection of books was left entirely to the cai)rice of pupils 
and parents, hence there were nearly as many different classes in 
some branches as scholars. The f(jllowing were the leading text 
books in use: spellers, Byerly's and Cobb's; readers, Juvenile 
i-eader, English reader and the Testament ; arithmetics. Pike's, 
Pvose's, Smyly's and Cobb's. The ordinary school term was three 
mcmths. Six full days were put in during the week. Salary, $2M 
per i)Ui)il for the term. Resides teaching, it was the master's duty 
in some loctilities to lead singing at church. The attendance of 
pupils enrolled was probably about thirty or forty per cent. ; num- 
bers did not get to school at all. This poor attendance was owing 
to various circumstances, among which were indifference on the part 



140 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

of parent;^, inconvenience of access^, uncomfortable school-rooms and 
poor teachers. The oldest citizens of farming districts assign, as a 
principal cause for their irregular or non-attendance, the great 
amount of manual labor required to clear lands, make improvements 
on the farms, thresh crops, and transport produce to the distant 
market. In those days when machinery was almost unknown labor 
had to be performed mainly by hand. 

EDUCATION OF THE POOH. 

The law for the education of the poor gratis was passed April 4, 
1809. There was more philanthrophy in it than wisdom. Assessors 
were required to take a census of " all children between the ages of 
five and twelve years, whose parents were unable to pay their 
schooling," thus placing both parents and children in a very 
humiliating position. The object of the law was, therefore, not 
fully realized, for the reason that the poor possessed as keen a sense 
of delicacy as the rich, and would leather bring up their children in 
ignorance than be classed among paupers. This discrimination 
between rich and poor often engendered a spirit of caste among the 
scholar^ which environed the teacher with many perplexing diffi- 
culties. 

In certain localities the law of 1809 prepared the way for the 
adoption of the school system submitted to the people under the 
legislation of 1834 and 1835. The necessity of the education of the 
poor as well as the rich was recognized by a majority of the citizens, 
and as the former law was unpopular for reasons already stated, the 
latter was accepted because it made provision for the education of 
the masses without intruding any odious distinctions between rich 
and poor. 

THE COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM. 

The common schools w^ent into operation in the following districts 
in 1835: Bellefonte, Boggs, Bald Eagle, Ferguson, Howard, Patton, 
Rush, Spring, Walker and Lamar. Patton and Halfmoon accepted 



OF CKNTRK COUNTY. 141 

in 1836. Logan became a part of Clinton county in IcSIJO, and 
continued its struggle against the schools. Miles accepted in 1<S;58, 
voted " no schools " by one hundred and sixteen against eighty-seven 
in 1840, and adopted the system ]>ermnneiitly in 1848. The vote of 
Haines in 1888 was one hundred and fourteen for and one hundred 
and sixty-seven against sehouls ; in 18,')!), thirty-three for, one hun- 
dred and eighty-seven against ; in 1840, sixty-two for, two hundred 
and three against; in 1841, thirteen for, one hundred and sixty-four 
against. The schools went into operation finally in the fall of 1849, 
and the district forfeited over $4,500 State appropriation that had 
accumulated from year to year. Penu district, which was erected 
out of Gregg and Haines in 1845, accepted in 1847. Gregg 
accepted the system in 1888, us appears from a record of an election 
held March 16, 1888, showing that one hundred and two votes were 
cast in favor and one hundred against. Yet, for the school year 
ending 1889, the township received from the county the sum of 
$88.77 for the education of poor children, and the free schools did 
not go into full operation, probably, until the fall of 1889, and then 
only temporarily, for in 1840 the system was again rejected by a 
majority of eighty-two out of a total of two hundred and eighty-two 
votes. The schools went into operation permanently in 1846. 

These four districts, viz: Haines, Penu, Miles and Gregg, which 
rejected the public schools for so long a time, constitute the heavy 
Pennsylvanian German section of the county. Their ])rol(jnged 
oj)j)osition has usually been construed into an argument that these 
people were opposed to education ; but facts hardly sustain the 
charges, for, while a majority of the older citizens are able to read 
and write both the English and German languages, there were 
comparatively few who could not read German. Their literature 
was German. Of the six academies that have existed in the county, 
five were established and supported in conununities where the 
German element predominated, and in looking over the State it will 
be observed that the German element foiuuled and at pi-esent sus- 
tains a very respectable proportion of th(! higher institutions of 
learninof. 



142 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

THE COUNTY INSTITUTE. 

Institutes were organized in certain townships as early as 1846, if 
not before. In this year O, T, Noble, W. M. Snyder, E. Fletcher 
and others, teachers of Liberty district, formed an association for 
mutual improvement in the science of teaching. As to the place of 
the first meeting of the County Institute there are contradictory 
opinions. Some claim tluit it was organized at Pine Grove, others 
that it originated from a district institute organized at Oak Hall. 
The following sketch given by Mr. Thomas Holahan, who was a 
teacher at the time and county superintendent several years later, 
seems to be the most authentic : " The first Teacher's Institute held 
in Centre, or perhaps in the State, was organized at Oak Hall, in 
Harris township, in 1852. Its originators were W. G. Waring, Dr. 
J. M. Blair, Dr. J. G. Hartswick, Hon. J, H. Orvis, O. T. Noble, 
Esq., David Hcekendorn, subsequent superintendent of Union coun- 
ty, and myself Our first sessions were stoutly opposed by the 
school board, on the ground that our meetings were concocted plans 
to advance the teacher's wages, which were then so frightfully high 
as to command $20.00 a month for four months," There Avas, how- 
ever, an institute organized at Pine Grove, in an adjoining district, 
in the same year, Mr. Noble, who was a member of the Oak Hall 
association, being president, and D. J. D. AVingate secretary. 
Neither of these associations seem to have assumed a higher dignity 
at that time than that of district institutes, but to one of them, or 
more, probably to both jointly, must be ascribed the honor of being 
the source of the County Institute. Besides the persons already 
named, Geo. W. Haines is mentioned as one of the founders of the 
County Institute, and Samuel Baker, J. E. Thomas and Kev. D. M. 
Wolf were its stanchest friends at a later period. During the first 
years of its existence the institute was a crude affair ; the attendance 
on the part of teachers was limited to the immediate vicinity of the 
place where it was held ; the exercises consisted chiefly of labored 
essays on education and lofty panegyrics on noted school men of 
that age, and when the programme became exhausted, there were 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 143 

always the stereotyped questions in relation to " corjooral punish- 
ment" and "compulsory attendance" in reserve, which never failed 
to stimulate the members to prolon^-ed and animated debate. Much 
time was wasted in discussing' subjects that would now be considered 
trivial. It was not an unusual occurrence to s])end an hour or more 
in a furious discussion whether a certain word in a sentence should 
be called an " adjective " or an " adverb." 

THE COUNTY NORMAL SCHOOL. 

The first annual reports of the County Su])erintendents are replete 
with complaints about the large number of poor teachers then in 
the profession. This class of teachers existed of course before the 
superintendeney was established, but they were better able to hide 
their inefficiency for want of thorough inspection by competent offi- 
cers. To remedy this evil in Centre county the different academies 
formed normal classes for the benefit of teachers, and this practice 
has been continued up to the present time. On the loth of April, 
1855, Ira C. IMitchell opened a normal school at Howard. He had 
associated with him Prof. A. K. Browne, of New York. This was 
the first school of this class in the county, but was only temporary. 
There was no permanent normal school in Centre until the year 
1866, when one was established at Rebersburg by Mr. Magee during 
the first year of his superintendeney. Mr. Magee held nine annual 
sessions, six at Rebersburg in succession, and three at Centre Hall. 
He was assisted in 1806 by A. D. Rowe, subsequently superintend- 
ent of Clinton county; in 1867 by W. R. Bierly; in 1868,1869 
and 1870 by Rev. W. C4. Engle and H. Meyer ; in 1871 and 1872 
by H. Meyer ; in 1873 and 1874 by C. W. Rishel. This school was 
held at Milesburg in 1875, 1876 and 1877, where the present super- 
intendent was assisted every session by C. L. Gramley. Eight or 
nine weeks constitute a term. From forty to ninety-five students 
attend the annual terms. Professional training has been the lead- 
ing feature of this school. 



144 rM>lfSTRIES AND INSTITVTIONH 

STATISTICS, &c. 

In 1886 there were reported to the de])artiiieiit sixty schools, as 
follows: Bellefoiite, 4; Bald Eagle, 4; Boggs, 10; Ferguson, o; 
Harris, 7 ; Howard, 7 ; Lamar, 6 ; Potter, 4 ; Spring, 6 ; Walker, 
7. But several of the accepting and all of the Don-accepting districts 
are excluded from the foregoing. Halfmoon reported in 1887, ?>■> 
schools; Patton, 2] ; Pvush, 2; and Gregg in 1838, 9. These last 
prohal)ly had ahout the same nundier of schools in 1886. The 
number f)f schools in the rest of the districts in 1886, were, as near 
as could be ascertained, as follows : Haines, 4 ; Miles, 4 ; Logan, 5 ; 
making a total of 90 schools for the county in 1886. There were 
no graded schools at that period. The average salary of mah- 
teachers for the year ending June, 1841, was $19.80 ; female, $11.22. 
That i)art of the statistical report relating to Centre county for the 
year ending June, 1850, is here presented in full, as all the districts 
had then accepted the system, and the statements are, therefore, 
more reliable than those of previous years. In 1850, twenty-two 
districts, one hundred and twenty-six schools, one hundred and 
nineteen male and twelve female teachers, three thousand eight 
hundred and two male pupils and two thousand nine hundred and 
two female pupils were reported. The average salary of male 
teachers was $19.26, of female teachers $14.40; cost of teaching, 
each scholar per month was 41 cents ; tax levied, $12,035.90 ; State 
appropriation, $2,066.86 ; amount paid for instruction, $1,008.91 ; 
fuel and contingencies, $768.78 ; cost of school houses, purchasing, 
building, &c., $2,373.60. 

The county superintendency was established in 1854, and the first 
officer elected in Centre was Dr. W. J. Gibson, who served one 
term at a salary of $600. J. I. Burrell was elected in 1857 and 
served one term at a salary of $800. Thomas Holahan was electe<l 
in 1860 and served two terms, receiving $500 per annum during the 
first term, and $600 the second. R. M. Magee succeeded Mr. Hola- 
han in 1866 and served three terms. He received a salary of $700 
the first year, but it was then raised to $1,200 and continued at that 



OK ClONTUK COUNTY. 145 

figure (luring tlu; remaiudor of his adniiuistratiou. Tlie present 
iiiounibeiit, Henry Meyer, was eleeted in 1875 — salary $1000. 

Short biographical sketches of the leading teachers under the old 
system would be interesting, if space would allow, but a list of their 
names given as near as possible in the order of time in which they 
taught, must suffice. The names of a few appear in the body of 
the sketch and will not be repeated here. Among the first on the 
list are several who taught as early as the year 1800, and of the 
last a fcM- are still living and have taught, also, under the free 
school svstem : W. L. Smith, William McMinn, George Patton, Joe 
Van Horn, George Podget, James Rankin, James Packer, Timothy 
Ladd, Rob(-rt B. Thom])son, Jacob Baker, D. McCutchen, John 
Gilliland, Joliii l^uffington, John S. Price, Robert E. Smith, Daniel 
Black, Sanuiel Waring, Henry Mussina, Zachariah Shugert, P. S. 
Proudfoot, P. Little, Samuel Baker, William Kerr, John Toner, A. 
Coble. The following list includes nearly all the lady teachers from 
about the year 1820' to 18.35, prior to 1820 but few schools were 
taught by female teachers : Eliza Dunlop, Abigail Miles, Mary Par- 
sons, Sarah Tucker, Elizabeth Blakely, Nancy McKean, Dorcas Lee, 
Anna L. Lee, Sarah Brooks, Lydia Carpenter, Hannah McBride, 
Lucy Loomis and Catharine McKenna. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF BELLEFONTE. 

For the following sketch of the public schools of Bellefonte the 
compiler is indebted to S. M. Irwin, Esq. : 

In pursuance of an Act of the General Assembly of the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania, entitled " An Act to establish a general 
system ol' education by common schools," approved the first day of 
April, A. D. 18'>4, the (pialified voters of the borough of Bellefonte 
met at the court house in said borough, on the third Friday of 
September. 18;)4, tor the purpose of electing six persons to serve as 
school directors, under the provisions of said Act ; and after counting 
the votes polled, it was found that John Rankin, Charles McBride, 
Dr. Constance Curtin, James Armor, Samuel Harris and Samuel 



146 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

Pettit were duly elected. On the 27th day of September, the 
directors elect held their first meeting, and organized by electing 
John Rankin president and Charles McBride secretary. 

At a meeting of the citizens of the borough, held on the 17th day 
of November, 1834, at which Dr. Constance Curtin presided and 
James Armor acted as secretary, the following resolution Avas 
offered and adopted : 

Resolved, That an additional tax of one mill on the dollar be laid 
on the assessments of the borough, in addition to that agreed upon 
at the joint meeting of the several township delegates and the county 
commissioners. 

The board of directors met at the court house April 18, 1835, 
when Hamilton Humes and Dr. John Harris, who had been elected 
in the room of the outgoing members, appeared and took their seats 
Hi members of the board. On motion, Hamilton Humes was elected 
president and James Armor secretary of the board for the ensuing 
year. Dr. John Harris was appointed a delegate to meet the county 
commissioners at their next meeting with the several townships' 
delegates. Dr. Constance Curtin and Samuel Pettit were appointed 
a committee to ascertain the amount of available funds and to report 
thereon to the board at its next meeting. 

At the meeting of the board, held April 20, 1835, Dr. Constance 
Curtin and Samuel Pettit reported that the available funds were 
about $60.00 to be received from the State, and $238.00 from taxa- 
tion ; the latter subject to exonerations and a deduction of five per 
centum for collection. James Armor and Dr. John Harris were 
appointed a committee to engage school rooms, and the board agreed 
to advertise for two teachers to teach six months. Dr. Curtin, 
Samuel Pettit, Samuel Harris, James Armor and Dr. Harris were 
appointed a committee to ascertain the number of children in the 
borough of a suitable age to go to school; and Dr. Constance Curtin 
and Dr. John Harris a committee to examine " Cobb's series of 
school books," and to report on the proi)riety of adopting the same. 

At a meeting of the board, held on the 28th of April, the com- 
mittee appointed to ascertain the number of persons to be schooled 



OP CENTRE COUNTY. 147 

reported that thei'c were one hundred :uid seventy-five ehihlren in 
the boroujrh of a suitable age to attend scliool. flarnilton Ilunios 
and Dr. Jolin Harris were appointed a coniniittee to ascertain on 
what terms Mrs. Tucker and Mrs. Diudop c(»iild be engaged a.s 
teachers. 

The foHowing report was made by the committee appointed to 
examine " Cobb's series of school bo(jks " : "The committee to whom 
was assigned the duty of examining ' Cobb's series of school books,' 
with a view to ascertain their suitableness for use in common schools, 
beg leave to report: That after examination such as the short time 
allowed by other avocations has enabled its members to make, they 
are convinced that these books are eminently adapted to the use of 
schools in which the rudiments of English education are taught. 
There is found in them a regular graduation from the ' first book/ 
which contains the simi)lest lessons, to the 'sequel,' which is made 
use of in judicious selections from the best English prose and poetic 
authors of our country and of England. It is believed that in 
orthography and pronunciation these books are incomparably more 
correct than any others that have been in use in the schools of our 
county. In the spelling book the pronunciation and accentuation 
are carefully and distinctly nuirked, and that in a luanner most 
easily understood by the learner. 

" The tales and stories of which the three Nos. of the ' Juvenile 
Reader' are composed are simple and well calculated to interest 
the youthful mind, and thus render a dilligent attention to the 
lessons not only not irksome but really agreeable. The ' sequel ' 
contains some of the finest modes upon which can be founded a 
pure, chaste spirit and correct style of composition. It is not the 
smallest recommendation of these books that they contain nothing 
which can vitiate the taste or corrupt the luorals, but, on the con- 
trary, many lessons inculcate the purest piety, the most exalted 
patriotism, the warmest benevolence and the strictest regard to truth 
and integrity. It is known that this series of books has received 
the approbation of the Senate of Pennsylvania ; and we may add 
that we have been credibly informed that their use has already been 



148 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

adopted in very many schools throughout our State ; and there is 
reason to believe that the recommendation of the Senate and of the 
faculty of some of our literary institutions of highest repute will 
lead to their more general adoption. This will enable the publishers 
to print large editions, and consequently to sell at reduced rates. 
Your committee would, therefore, beg leave to offer the following 
resolution : 

Resolved, That, in the opinion of the directors, ' Cobb's series of 
school books ' is admirably adapted to the use of common schools 
in Pennsylvania, and that they hereby direct that these 'books' be 
used in the schools of the district under their charge." 

The resolution was at once unanimously adopted. 

The board of directors laid a school tax of two and a half mills 
for school purposes in 1835, and determined to open school on the 
first day of January, 1836, for four months; Mr. Hamilton to be 
teacher of the first school at a salary of $33.00 per month, and to 
find his own school room, and teach all the branches of education 
that may be required ; Geo. W. Wasson to be teacher of the second 
school at a salary of $25.00 per month, and to teach reading, writ- 
ing and arithmetic ; Charles McBride to be the teacher of the third 
school at a salary of $20.00 per month, and to teach reading, writ- 
ing and arithmetic; Mrs. Diinlop to be teacher of the tburth school 
at a salary of $15.00 per month, and to teach at least twenty-five 
scholars. The last three teachers to be furnished rooms. 

This terminates the first year's work of the school board of the 
borough of Bellefonte subsequent to its organization ; and it seems 
eminently proper to remark here, that John Rankin, Chas. McBride. 
Dr. Constance Curtin, James Armor, Samuel Harris, Samuel Pettit, 
Hamilton Humes and Dr. John Harris, the members that consti- 
tuted the board for the first twelve months, were all men of good 
business habits, of more than ordinary intelligence, of strict integrity 
and high moral character; most, if not all of them, being mcMubers 
and attendants of some one of the various religious congregations 
of the borough, and all but one of them the heads and fathers of 
families ; to the religious (;haracter, energy and intelligence of these 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 149 

men \vc arc largely indebted for the high moral and intellectual 
basis on which the common schools of the borough were founded, 
and which thev have ever since maintained. Of these revered 
fathers and oi-ganizers of the common schools of the borough, six 
have gone to join the congregation of the great hereafter, and but 
two remain : Samuel Pettit being old and full of days, lives with his 
daughter, Mrs. Hayes, at Cedar Springs, Clinton county. Pa., and 
Dr. John Harris, for whom the almond tree has long since flourish- 
e 1, is now^ Consul for the United States at the port of Venice, in the 
kingdom of Italy. 

As early as ]8.'>6 the schools of the borough were properly graded, 
and the scholars duly classitied; and the directors, by a resolution 
of the board, required one lesson a day, at least, to be read out of 
tlie Bible and Testament. In this resolution of the board is laid 
tlie corner stone of all intellectual education and refinement, as well 
as of all civil and religious liberty; for so long as the Bible and 
Testament remain text books in our common schools, refinement, 
civil and religious liberty, and high educational advancement will 
b? properly ai)i)reciated and sought after. 

In 1841 the board of dircctoi-s ccmtracted with J. J. and (4. Alex- 
ander to build a school house capable of accommodating four schools, 
for the sum of $1,270.00. On examination of the list of those enti- 
tled to become pupils Avhen the new school house should be opened, 
it was Ibund that they nundjered two hundred and seventy-five, 
being an increase of ninety-eight in five year^. The board having 
adopted the best text books of the day, both tor the high school and 
primary schools, and required all the branches of a liberal English 
education to be taught, re-enacted the resolution requiring the 
reading of the holy Scriptures in each school at least once a day. 
Objections having bsen urged against the reading of the popular 
version of the Bible in the schools, as a text book, the board passed 
a resolution to excuse any scholar or scholars from reading it as a 
class book, or at the opening of the school, when the parent or 
guardian of such scholars signified their desire to that effect in 
writing, delivered to any member of the board. 



150 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

In 1844 the board purchased the library of the Bellefonte Ly- 
ceum, for the use of the schools ; also four outline maps, a map of 
the United States, and a map of North America. 

In 184G the first cases of insubordination in the high school were 
reported to the board, and resulted injuriously, not only to the 
young men, but M'as the cause of the resignation of the principal in 
the middle of the term. 

From 184G till 1854 the progress of the school was steady and 
creditable, the board from time to time adopting the best text books 
extant ; visiting the schools every month and taking note of the ad- 
vancement of the scholars in their studies, advancing them to higher 
grades as they became prepared for them. Great care was exercised 
in the selection of teachers both as to moral and literary qualifica- 
tions. 

In 1856 five cases of insubordination occurred in the female 
branch of the high school, resulting in the transfer of four of them 
to the male department. The high school was removed to the lower 
room of the north Aving of the academy, the trustees having granted 
the use of the room, and provided it Avith desks, chairs, stove and 
other furniture. 

On the 20th of October, 1859, the board of directors accepted the 
resignation of A. G. Curtin as a member of the school board, in 
which he had served consecutively for nineteen years, except the 
three years that he acted as secretary of the Commonwealth under 
Gov. Pollock ; and it is but just in this connection to say, that the 
common schools of the borough of Bellefonte owe much of their 
solid progress and high standing to the long, unwearied care and 
wise counsel of ex-Governor Cur tin. 

On the 6th of December, 1859, Rev. Mr. Vondergreen, Henry 
BrockerholF and others, came before the board of directors, and the 
Rev. Vondergreen addressed the board at some length, stating, in 
substance, that the common schools of the district were conducted 
in a very improper manner ; that Catholics were unfairly treated 
in them; that theil' children were compelled to read the Protestant 
Bible, many passages of which were unfit to be read by children. 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 151 

and othevrf required proper explanations ; tliat the .schools were 
opened with prayer by a Protestant, and that Catholics coidd not 
consent to send their children to such schools, and he demanded 
that the board make a division of the school tax in such manner 
that the Catholics might have their fair proportion of the same; 
which demand was not granted by the board. 

On the l()th of August, 1SG2, an agreement was entered into 
with the trustees of the Bellefonte academy for the purpose of con- 
solidating the high school and academy, the trustees of the academy 
agreeing to pay to the treasurer of the board the sum of $100.00 
a year. 

In 1865 the board of school directors passed a resolution consti- 
tuting the teacher of the high school superintendent or principal of 
all the public schools of the borough, which office and position has 
been held ever since by the teacher of the high school. 

In 1867 the board of directors authorized the principal to buy a 
o-lob? f )r the use of his school, and raised tlii' suporintendent's salary 
from 660.00 to SI 00.00 per month. 

On the 16t-li of March, 1868, the trustees of the academy gave 
notice to the board of directors that they had elected to take pos- 
session of said academy on tlie 17th day of September, 1868, being 
six months notice, according to the article of agreement. William 
McClellan and John Ilofler, president and treasurer of the board 
of school directors, were authoi'ized to pui'chase a certain lot of 
ground, bounded by Spring, Linn, Allegheny and Lamb streets, of 
H. N. McAllister and E. C. Humes, for the sum of $5,000, for the 
[)urpose of erecting thereon suitable buildings for the use of the 
[)ublic schools of the borough. The aforesaid property having been 
purchased a two-story stone building was thereon erected, capable of 
containing nine schools, at a total cost, including heating apparatus, 
of $20,772.20, exclusive of furniture. The schools having taken 
possession of the new stone building on Allegheny street, and hav- 
ing been properly classified, immediately began to show decided 
improvement. The great advantage of a good light, equally dis- 
tributed through ""all the rooms, induced cheerfulness among the 



152 [iMJUSTKIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

scholars, and good teiujier amoug the teachers ; emulation commenc- 
ed among the pupils, and excellence was sought by those in the 
higher grades. From the time that the schools took possession of 
the new building to the present, nothing has occurred to mar or 
disturb the harmony of their onward ])rogress ; the school directors, 
as has always been the rule in the borough, continvie to visit the 
schools, marking their progress from month to month, and taking 
that kind and fatherly interest in the progress of the pupils, that is 
one of their highest incentives to close and thorough study. 

I cannot close this brief sketch of the schools of the borough 
without giving the proper meed of praise to the board of school 
directors that they have so nobly earned, I'rom the very commence- 
ment of the common school system. Allowed no i)ay by the law, 
they have been unwearied in their efforts to put the common schools 
of the borough on the very highest plane of moral and intellectual 
excellence ; they have cheerfully given their time and talents to 
foster and build up a system of schools hard to equal and almost 
impossible to excel. Generations yet to come Avill rise up and bless 
them. As in the very first election under the common school law 
men of high moral worth and intellectual standing were elected 
school directors for the borough, so it has continued (with few ex- 
ceptions) to be ever since. How exceedingly important it seems to 
be that we should always start right. 

The teachers, both of the high and primary schools have also 
been, for the most part, men and women of a very high grade, both 
as to their moral and intellectual character. In forty-three years 
but two teachers have been compelled to resign on account of 
blemishes in their moral conduct and character, and but one on 
account of severity in discipline. As a body the teachers of the 
common schools of the borough of Bellefonte can proudly stand a': 
the head of their profession. 

The scholars of the public schools of the borough, in iheir age 
and grade, will not lose by comparison with the pupils of the samj 
age and grade in any other plac \ 

The hiyh moral and intellectual character of the citizens o:' the 



OF CKNTKK CXHINTY. IT),*) 

boroiigli of Bellc'ibnte has ctui!::;t'd thoin to be constant and wann 
friends of her public schools, and their willing and efficient help has 
larg(>ly contributed to the successful efforts of the board of directors 
and teachers, in bringing the common schools to their jjast an(l 
present state of excellence. 

It would be pleasant, and no doubt profitable, to recall the names 
of the teachers that have taught in the connnon schools of the 
borough, from the time the common school law was first adopted, 
till the present time, but want of space ibrbids. Tlie names, how- 
ever, of the teachers or principals of the high school, being less 
numerous, may i)crhaps be given. 

The following are the names of all the teachers or princijials of 
the high school in the order in which they taught : D. B. C'anfield, 
W. H. Blair, Thomas McClintoc, E. B. Harvey, J. E. Cook, J. I). 
AVingate, Mr. Elmer, James H. (nirrah, Theo. Muffily, John H. 
Hoops, James H. Rankin, Theo. Weaver, H. Y. Htitzer, James H. 
Rankin, Wm. H. Shoch, Isaac T. Woods, B. II Shaub, 1). H. Has- 
tings, W. C. Heinle, T. F. Balliet, James H. Rankin. 

THE PRESENT SUPERINTENDENT. 

Mr. Henry Meyer, the present county superintendent, was born 
near Rebersburg, Centre county, on the 8th of December, 1840. 
His ancestors came from Germany previous to the Revolutionary 
war and settled within the j^rcsent limits of Lebanon county. He 
is a son of Mr. Henry Meyer, who lives a few miles east of Rebers- 
burg and is engaged in farming, to which pursuit the subject of this 
sketch served a full apprenticeship. His early education was 
obtained at the ordinary public schools of the neighborhood. When 
about twenty years old he was engaged at niill-wrighting, continuing 
about two years, and, August 25, 1862, enlisted as a private in 
company A, 148th regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers. This regi- 
ment was attached to the second corps, army of the Potomac, and 
participated in all the battles of that army till the close of the war. 
Mr. Meyer was in the battles of the Wilderness, May 2, 3, and 4, 



154 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

18G3, and on the 3d was grazed by a piece of shell, and in conse- 
quence disabled for several days. He was also at the battle of 
Gettysburg and escaped unharmed. He took part in a number of 
less important engagements during the following year, and in the 
spring campaign of 1864 was present at every battle in which the 
second corps was engaged, until the 10th of May, when, in a battle 
on the Rapidan, at Spottsylvania, he was shot through the left hand. 
He was then sent to Fredricksburg, thence to Campbell hospital, 
Washington, D. C, where his hand was amputated, several days 
after receiving the wound. On Se})tember 12 of the same year he 
was honorably discharged, having been in active service a little 
more than two years. 

After returning home from the army, as his disabled condition 
prevented him from engaging advantageously in manual labor, he 
determined to qualify himself for the profession of teaching. He 
accordingly, in 1866, attended two sessions at Union Seminary, New 
Berlin, Pennsylvania, and in the fall of ISQ-i entered the Keystone 
State Normal School, at Millerstown, Pennsylvania, graduating 
therefrom in the following spring, June 17, 1869. 

Mr. Meyer was elected to the office of superintendent of Centre 
county on May 4, 1875, receiving eighty-two votes, nearly double 
the number given his competitor, which was a substantial evidence 
of his worth and })opularity as a teacher. Unlike many of the 
superintendents of the State, he believes in introducing into the 
schools under his sui)ervision needed reforms and, as far as practica- 
ble, all improved methods of instruction. As is the case with most 
graduates of State normal schools, l.e is decidedly averse to old 
fogyism in any form, especially so when it shows itself in the public 
school room. During Mr. Meyer's career as a teacher, extending 
over a period of twelve years, he displayed qualities that entitle him 
to rank high as an educator. He is careful, deliberate and reliable 
— one of those who believe in and practice the injunction, " be sure 
you're right, then go ahead." As a man, he is modest, unassuming 
and gentlemanly, and is never disposed to thrust his opinions upon 
others. He is an active and consistent member of the Evangelical 



OF CENTRE COUNTY, 



155 



Associiition. In 1872 he wjis married to Miss Mattie J. Taylor of 
Unionville, Centre county. 



Note. — The following additional fiicts in relation to the first 
institute held in the county are furnished by Jas. H. Rankin, Esq : 

"Mr. Holahan fixes 1852 as the year in which the 'first county 
institute was held.' The one he speaks of may have been held 
there at that time, .but tlic first in the county, if not the first, or 
amono- the first, in the State, was held at Oak Hall on the first week 
of October, 1850, in my school house, now used as the ' Grange 
Lodge.' It was drawn there through the influence of Wm. G. 
Waring, Esq., who was and is a warm friend of the common school 
system in all its details. Among those present, I remember John 
M. MclMinn and Samuel Bi-ugger, of Union township (I think); 
Orrin T. Noble and David Baker of Howard, and Wm. Holahan 
of Haines. I have the proceedings of the third annual session 
of county institute, held in Howard in December, 1852, which 
refers to the first as at Oak Hall." 



156 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



By THOMAS R. HAYES, M. D. 



^i^HIS sketch of the medical profession of Centre C(ninty is neces- 
■'Ogp; sarily meagre on account of the brief time allotted for its 
4'^if prei)aration. It is intended, mainly, to preserve in a perma- 
nent form the time and services of the medical men of the past. 
With the medical men now living and in pi'actice it will have very 
little to do. The task is a very pleasant one, as it has to do with 
many worlhy names and good examples of professional attainments 
and devotion to duty. 

The first physician of Bellefonte was William Harris, M.D., who 
died of consumption, April 15, 180G. He lived and died in the 
house now occupied by Mr. S. A. Brew, on Spring street, and lies 
buried in the old [)art of the Bellefonte cemetery, along side of 
the Hustons. Quite a number of the very old residents of Belle- 
fonte and vicinity remember Dr. Harris, and all speak of him in 
the highest praise as an excellent physician and worthy gentleman. 
He amputated part of a finger for Gen. Samuel Miles Green, now 
a hale and hearty gentleman of eighty-two years. Mrs. Eliza ]\Iit- 
chell, daughter of Hon. Andrew Gregg, now living at the advanced 
age of eighty-three years, was a patient of Dr. Harris. At that 
time Mrs. Mitchell was living in Penn's valley. The present Mrs. 
James D. Turner was iHOCulated by Dr. Harris. Soon after Dr. 
Harris settled in Bellefonte Dr. Martin settled also, and continued 
to pi-actice until 1807. He was followed by Dr. Thomas Wallace, 



OF ('KNTKK COUNTY. 157 

father of tlu> pi-esent Mrs. Eliz:il)8tli Petriken. Dr. Wallace subse- 
quently removed to Blair county and died there. * 

Dr. Daniel Dobbins settled in Bellefonte in the year 1807, and 
died 1844, at the age of fifty-eight. Dr. D(A)bins was a graduate of 
Dickinson college, and also a graduate of medicine of the University 
of Pennsylvania. He married Eliza (I. Harris, a daughter of Jas. 
Harris, Esq., and was a brother-in-law of liev. James, Linn, D.D. 
Dr. Dobbins was a Hue classical scholar and an accomplished gen- 
tleman. He was a great reader and possessed a cultivated mind, 
well stored with learning and infornuition. He had a fine physique 
and an attractive appearance. He was devoted to his profession 
and spent the greater part of his life in the saddle. His field of 
practice was wide and extended — embracing Nittany, Bald Eagle, 
Penn's and even Brush valley. In the country he was in the habit 
of making his visits to the sick at all hours of the night. He kept 
no books to made charges, and, in consequence, at the end of a long 
and laborious practice, was poor. The rich and the poor received 
his services alike. Many years after his death calls came for him 
from distant families, who remembered well his services but had 
never heard of his death. A beautiful monument ornaments his 
grave in the Bellefonte cemetery. No phy.sician could leave behind 
him a better name than that which is expressed by the inscription 
upon this monument. The following is the inscription : " In his 
profession he stood high in the estimation of medical men ; in 
consultation his opinion had much weight; in his practice he was 
laborious and iaithful ; in liis morals he was blameless. The citizens 
of This borough and vicinity have erected this monument as a token 
of their grateful remembrance of his useful services among them 
during a term of thirty-seven years." 

Contemporaneous with Dr. Dobbins was the celebrated Dr. Con- 
stans Curtin. He received' his education in Ireland and settled in 
Bellefonte in 1807. He died suddenly of hemorrhage of the lungs 
in 1842 at the age of fifty-four. He was a brother of Roland 
Curtin, Esq., and an uncle of ex-Governor Curtin. He married a 
daughter of Hon. Andrew Gregg. For thirty-five years he prac- 



158 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

ticed his profession and enjoyed the confidence and ref'pect of the 
citizens of Bellefonte and vicinity. He was active and jinblic 
spirited and was especially interested in educational interests. 
Bellefonte was highly honored in possessing for so long a time two 
physicians so eminent and capable as Dr. Daniel Dobbins and Dr. 
Constans Curtin. Each one of them has now a son in the i^iedical 
profession — Dr. J. H. Dobbin« of Bellefonte, and Dr. Roland 
Curtin, a lecturer in the medical department of the University of 
Pennsylvania. 

In the year 1818 Dr. AVilliam Irvin Wilson of Lewisburg, Penn- 
sylvania, located at Earlystown (about two miles west of the Old 
Fort), and became eminent in the medical history of Penn's valley- 
When Dr. Wilson settled at Earlystown he had been preceded by 
Dr. Charles Coburn, father of the present James P. Coburn, Esq., 
who had settled at Aaronsburg in the year 1811. Dr. Klepper, a 
German |)hysician, was also practicing at Aaronsburg. Dr. Coburn 
and Dr. Klepper were the only physicians in Penn's valley when 
Dr. Wilson settled. Dr. Wilson was advised by these physicians 
not to settle at Earlystown (thirteen miles distant) as it was right in 
the heart of their practice. He received the same advice from Dr. 
Dobbins of Bellefonte, who thought it would interfere with his 
practice, too. Dr. Wilson was a son of Hugh Wilson, Esq., of 
Lewisburg, who had settled in Buffalo valley in 1790. Dr. Wilson 
was married to a daughter of James Potter, Esq., and was a brother- 
in-law of W. W. Potter, Esq. He is the father-in-law of ex-Governor 
Curtin, and now, in his eighty-fifth year, is living at his home at 
Potter's Mills, a fine type of the old-time physician. He relates 
many pleasant reminiscences and interesting facts connected with 
the practice of medicine at that early day. He read medicine with 
Dr. Dougal of Milton, flither of the present Dr. Dougal. His first 
fee was a pair of saddle-bags. Before he graduated he reduced a 
fractured limb for a young lady of Lewisburg, and, unwilling to 
make a charge, the grateful father presented him with the saddle- 
bags. At that time physicians traveled altogether on horse-back. 
They were obliged to keep on hand a full stock of medicines, and a 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 159 

Avcll filled pair of .saddle-bag:^ invariably acconipaiucd the ])hy.sifian 
on his visits to the sick. The conveniences of travelling as well as 
the conveniences of prescribing have made wonderful progress since 
that time. Easy carriages and the railroads have almost banished 
riding on horse-back, and pocket medicine cases and prescriptions 
have su])erceded the saddle-bags. 

The different "pathies" were almost unknown. The .system of 
practice was very different from that of the present time. It con- 
sisted mainly of blood-letting, emetics, cathartics, blistering and 
opiates. Many diseases, now familiar to the j^hysician, were un- 
known and not described. " Bright's Disease " was not known, 
becau.se not described, till 1837, when it received its name from a 
distinguished physician of Guy's Hospital, England. Diphtheria was 
known as malignant scarlatina. Bleeding was thought to be neces- 
sary sick or well. Sunday morning, in the spring of the year, Dr. 
Wilson would have a row of horses along his fence, their riders 
waiting their turn to be bled. This custom the doctor was obliged 
to break up, as it prevented him from attending church. Twenty- 
five cents was the fee for blood-letting, and the amount of blood 
taken averaged from a half pint to a pint and a half. The custom 
of bleeding, " sick or well," ceased about forty years ago. Blood- 
letting in sickness began to dimini.sh thirty years ago. 

The fees were much smaller than at the present time. A visit in 
the immediate neighborhood would be from twenty-five to fifty 
cents — a distance of four miles one dollar. Fractures and disloca- 
tion averaged from five to ten dollars, atnputations from fifteen to 
twenty dollars. Obstetrical practice five dollars. The fees were 
paid in a variety of ways — produce of all kinds was taken in 
exchange. ^NLmey was scarce, and what ever else contributed to 
the support of the family and improvement of the land was 
accepted. 

Dr. Wilson traveled altogether on horse-back, and for forty years 
averaged thirty miles per day. His practice extended up and down 
Penn's valley, into Brush valley, and ilito Kishacoquillas vallev, 
Mifflin county. Dr. Wilson had about twenty students read medi- 



160 IMnSTKIES AND rXSTlTlTIOXS 

cine with him, most of wliom arc now dead. Hit^ son, J. P. Wilson, 
M.D., graduated at Jefferson and located at Centre Hall in 1858, 
He subsequently went into the army as surgeon and died in the 
service. Dr. T. Z. Coverly, one of Dr. Wilson's students, located at 
Boalsburg. He practiced a few years and died of consumption ; he 
was said to have been a very skillful ])hysician. Dr. Coverly was 
succeeded at Boalsburg by Dr. Hugh Montgomery, an able physician, 
who is yet living at Muncy. Dr. Montgomery was succeeded by 
Dr. Thomas Vauvalzah of Mifflinburg, Pa. He died at an early 
age of consumption. Pie was a brother of Dr. Robert F. Vauval- 
zah of Spring Mills. Their father. Dr. Robert Vanvalzah of Mif- 
flinburg, was a very eminent physician; also their grand-father, Dr. 
Robert Vanvalzah of Buffalo Cross-Roads, was a famous phvsician, 
and enjoyed a Avide reputation. He moved into Buffalo vallev in 
178G, and his practice extended into the present counties of Centre, 
Mifflin and Juniata. He performed the first operation for strangu- 
lated hernia in Penn's valley ; the operation was a success and the 
patient recovered. 

Dr. Robert F. Vanvalzah of Spring Mills, graduated at Jefferson 
at the age of twenty-one years. He came to Centre county in the 
year 1839, and entered into partnership with Dr. Samuel Strohecker 
of Rebersburg, a well-known and highly esteemed practitioner, and 
the first physician to settle in (in the year 1825) Brush valley. Dr. 
Vanvalzah remained but one year in Rebersburg, when he removed 
into Penn's valley, and most faithfully and intelligently practised 
his profession till the day of his death, which occurred suddenly, 
November 10, 1874. Dr. Vanvalzah educated two sons for the 
medical profession — Dr. Frank H. Vanvalzah, who succeeded his 
father at Spring Mills, and Dr. Henry Vanvalzah at Clearfield. 

Dr. Samuel Strohecker of Rebersburg, was succeeded by his son- 
in-law. Dr. Hillbish, who is now the only physician in Brush valley. 

In the year 1827 Dr. John Harris began the practice of medicine 
in Bellefonte. He was a son of James Harris, Esq., and a brother- 
in-law of Dr. Dobbins. He was a graduate of the University of 
Pennsylvania. Dr. Harris was born in the vear 1702, and is now 



IJ. 8. Consul at Venice, Italy. He was widely and favorably known 
and hiirldy esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 

In the year ISoO Dr. Benjamin Jones Berry lorated at Klmwood, 
now the village of Lemont, and continued in practice until May, 
1864, when he died. Dr. Berry was a graduate of the I^niversity 
of New York, and was an active and intelligent physician. 

In the same year Dr. John Armstrong settled in Bellefonte and 
soon acquired an extensive practice. He was educated at Carlisle 
and was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. He re- 
moved from Bellefonte to Carlisle, where he continued to practice 
until a few years before his death. He died at Princeton, N. J., in 
1870, at the age of seventy-two. He was buried at Carlisle, 

In the year 1838 Dr. J. M. :McCoy located at Spring Mills, and 
removed to Bellefonte in 1842, where he continued to practice till 
1848, when he engaged extensively in the manufacture of iron, in 
which industry he still continues. 

Dr. James Thompson, brother of INIoses Thompson, Escp, Centre 
Furnace, located in Bellefonte in 1841. He was a well known 
physician, and is now practising in Washington, D. C. 

In 1844 Dr. Francis Smith settled in Bellefonte and acquired an 
extensive and lucrative practice. Dr. Smith has the reputation of 
having made more money in the practice of medicine at Bellefonte 
than any other physician. Dr. Smith was the iirst ])hysician of 
Centre county to use a carriage in the practice of medicine. He 
removed from Bellefonte to St. Paul, ^Nliimesota, in 1855. 

In the vear 1840 Dr. James !McKee located at Stormstown. He 
ac(juired a i'ortune during a. practice <if thirty years. He died in 
1877. 

Dr. Ellis (ireen commenced the practice of medicine in partner- 
shi]i with Dr. McKee. He subsequently removed to Bellefonte and 
practised for a few years and died in Boston in 1874. 

Dr. John B. Mitchell settled in Bellefonte in 1855, having prac- 
tised a short time at Boalsburg. He entered into partnership with 
Dr. Geo. L. Potter, and together they carried on a very extensive 
practice. Dr. Mitchell was among the first to respond to the call 



162 IXDIISTKIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

for volunteers at the coniniencemcnt of the rebellion. He was also 
treasurer of Centre county during 1862 and '63. Dr. Mitchell left 
Bellefonte in 1870, and died at Chester, Pa., December 19, 1874. 

Dr. Conrad Bergman, one of the original settlers of Philipsburg, 
was the first physician of that place. After practicing quite a 
number of years he removed to Huntingdon. About the year 1819 
D.-. McLeod located at Philipsburg, and was highly esteemed as a 
physician. He subsequently left Philipsburg and became an Epis- 
copal minister, and returned and jjreached to the people he had 
formerly practiced among as a jjhysician. Dr. Dewees was also one 
of the early physician of Philipsburg ; very little can be learned of 
his history. 

The first County Medical Society was organized in 1847. Dr. 
William Irvin Wilson was president. The vice presidents were Dr. 
Benjamin Jones Berry and Dr. Samuel Strohecker. Secretary, Dr. 
Geo. L. Potter. Treasurer, Dr. J. M. McCoy. The records of this 
society have been lost. Its life was of short duration. 

April 4, 1876, the present Medical Society of Centre county was 
oro-anized. The physicians of Centre county met in the reading 
room of the Bush House, Bellefonte. Dr. Thomas R. Hayes of 
Bellefonte, was chosen temporary president, and Dr. J. Y. Dale of 
Lemont, secretary. A constitution was adopted and the following 
officers elected for the ensuing year : President, Dr. AV. I. Wilson ; 
vice presidents. Dr. P. T. Musser of Aaronsburg, and Dr. T. B. 
Potter of Philipsburg; secretary, Dr. J. Y. Dale of Lerabnt; treas- 
urer, Dr. Geo. F. Harris of Bellefonte; censors. Dr. A. Hibler and 
Dr. Thos. R. Hayes of Bellefonte, and Dr. J. F. Woods of Boals- 
burg. Dr. A. Hibler of Bellefonte, Dr. J. P. Glenn of Snow Shoe, 
and Dr. J. F. Woods of Boalsburg, were elected delegates to repre- 
sent the society at the meeting of the State Medical Society, to be 
held in Philadelphia, in May, 1876. Dr. Frank H. Vanvalzah of 
Spring ISlills, Dr. Geo. F. Harris of Bellefonte, and Dr. J. Y. Dale 
of Lemont, were elected delegates to represent the society at the 
meeting of the American Medical Association, to be held in Phila- 
delphia, in June, 1876. 



OK (MiNTKK COUNTY. 1 <^'> 

It will be noticed that Dr. Willituu I. Wilson, th^ first president 
of the Afedical Society organized in 1847, was also the first presi- 
dent of the present Medical Society, organized in 1876. Dr. Wilson 
was able to be present, and the members conferred this new honor 
upon him in consideration of his age and past eminent services. 

We append a list of the members of the present Medical Society 
of Centre county: George L. Potter, M.D., Bellefonte; Augustus 
Hibler, M.D., Bellefonte; Geo. F. Harris, M.B., Bellefonte; E. S. 
Dorsworth, ISI.D., Bellefonte; E. W. Hale, M.D., Bellefonte; Thos. 
R. Hayes, M.D., Bellefonte; W. A. Jacobs, M.D., Centre Hall; 
John F. Woods, .AI.D., Boalsburg; Thomas C. Van Tries, M.D., 
Pennsylvania Furnace; J. R. Smith, M.D., Pine Grove Mills; J. 
Y. Dale, M.D., Lemon t ; T. B. Potter, M.D., Philipsburg; Samud 
Blair, M.D., Unionville; F. H. Vanvalzah, M.D., Spring Mills; 
A. S. Weaver, M.D., Potter's Mills ; P. S. Fisher, M.D., Zion ; C. 
F. Addlemen, M.D., Milesburg ; J. B. Laird, M.D., Milesburg; AV. 
L Wilson, M.D., Potter's Mills; P. T. ISIusser, M.D., Aaronsburg; 
J. P. Glenn, M.D., Sliow Shoe. 

We also append a list of all the practising physicians of Centre 
county, also when and where they graduated: 

Bellefonte. — George L. Potter, University of Pennsylvania, 1847 ; 
Geo. A. Fairlamb, University of Pennsylvania, 1848 ; J. H. Dob- 
bins, University of Pennsylvania, 1849; Augustus Hibler, Uni- 
versity Freiberg, Germany, 185;}; George F. Harris, University 
of Pennsylvania, 1804 ; Thos. R. Hayes, Chicago Medical College, 
18(U; E. S. Dorsworth, University of New York, 1865; E. I. 
Kirk, ]'. M. Institute, Cincinnati, 1868; R. L. Dartt, Hahnemann 
Medical College, 1875. 

Centre HalL—Feter D. Neff, Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- 
phia, 1848 ; W. A. Jacobs, University of Pennsylvania, 1875 ; J. 
F. Alexander, Wooster University, Cleveland, Ohio, 1874. 

Boalsbm-f/. — Calvin P. W. Fisher, University of Pennsylvania, 
1857 ; J. F. Woods, Jefiferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 1871. 

Pine Grove Mills. — J. R. Smith, University of Pennsylvania, 
1843; Geo. H. AVoods, JeflTerson, Philadelphia, 1875. 



164 INDUSTRIKS AND IXSTITUTIONS 

Lemonf. — J. Y. "nale, University of Pennsylvania, 18G7. 

Pine Glenn.— M. Stewart, Jefferson, 1845. 

Philipaburfj . — Tlios. B. Potter, University of Pennsylvania, 1851 ; 
J. D. McGirk, University of Pennsylvania, 1871 ; J. H. Peirce, 
Pennsylvania University, 1844 ; S. F. Lytle, Bellevue Hospital 
College, New York, 1875; G. H. Hoop, "Washington University. 
Baltimore, 1852 ; John C. Richards. 

VnionvUle. — Samuel Blair, University of Pennsylvania, 1854; 
E. A. Russell, University of Medicine and Surgery, Philadelphia, 
1868 ; R. E. Cambridge, University of New York, 1877. 

IfowanL — T. R. Hensel, Jefferson Medical College, Philadel])hia. 

EaglevUJe. — Thomas Rothrock. 

Millhem.—\). H Mingle, Jefferson Medical College, 1871. 

Aaronsburg. — P. T. Musser, Jefferson Mxlical College, Philadel- 
.phia, 1853 ; E. J. Deshler, Pennsylvania College, 1853. 

Bebersbmr/.—D. J, Hillbish, Jefferson Medical College, 1870. 

Spring Mills. — F. H. Vanvalzah, Jefferson Medical College, 1870 ; 
J. B. Lei tzell. University of Peinisylvania, 1853. 

Potters Mills.— A. S. Weaver, Jefferson, 1893. 

Port Matilda.—^. G. L. Meyers; T. M. Bowlick, Eclectic College. 
Philadelphia, 1873. 

Storinstoicn. — I"^. W. Swope, University, Philadelphia, 1870; W. 
G. Biglov; — {)i-actised twenty-seven years. 

Zion. — P. S. Fislier, University Pennsylvania, 1868. 

Pleasant Gap. — C B. LeitzelJ, Jeffci-son Medical College, 1877. 

Nittany Hall. — F. W. Vandersloot, Pennsylvania College, 1856. 

Milesburg. — C F. Addleman, University of Pennsylvania, 1875 • 
J. E. Laird, Phihidelphia College of Medicine, 1850; William' 
Grove. 

Snoiv Shoe. — J. P. Glenn, Jefferson .Medical College, 1869. 

Pinnsijlrania Furnace. — Thos. C. Van Tries, University of Penn- 
sylvania, 1868. 

Buffalo Ran. — John Bush, Cleveland, Ohio. 



OP CENTRE COUNTY. 165 



PRINCIPAL VILLAGES. 



AARONSBURG. 



^^HIS town wa^; laid out iu 1786 bv Aaron Levy, a Jew, and 
^ was for many years called " Jewstown." The principal street 
^i%,f' is one hundred and fifty feet wide for nearly the whole length 
of the town, and was called " Aaron's Square." It is crossed in the 
centre by another street called " Rachel's Way," after Levy's wife. 

Among- the first settlers were : James Duncan, who had the first 
store in the place, John M. Bike, for many years tavern keeper, the 
Krebses, Meeses, Hesses, Donners, Abrani High, also a tavern 
keeper, DeWalts, Browns, Herring, a tanner, George Bright, Ben- 
jamin Miller, John McPherson, Lyons Mussina, Philip Frank, 
Joseph Condo, who came from York, Pennsylvania, in 1812, Joseph 
Halloway, Frederick Henneigli, who built in 1789 the stone house 
now owned and occupied by J. P. C'oburn, Esq. One of the first, if 
not the first physician who practiced in the place Avas Dr. Klepper. 
He was succeeded by Dr. Coburn, father of J. P. Coburn, Esq. 
Dr. Coburn came from Massachusetts and located in x\aronsburg 
in 1811. 

There was considerable wealth among the early residents of the 
place. It is said that wdien the old Centre Bank was established at 
Bellefi)nte a large portion of the specie with which it was stocked, 
was hauled from Aaronsburg in a four horse wagon under guard. 

At the time Aaronsburg was laid out the inhabitants of the east 
end of Penn's valley had to go to Selinsgrove, at the mouth of 



1(56 I?«T)rSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

Penn's creek, to have their grain ground. It is related of one ianuly, 
that their sup])]y of flour was exhausted and there was but one loaf 
of bread in the house, when the father started to the mill with a bag 
of grain on his back. While he was gone the mother went to get 
the last remaining loaf i'or her hungry children, and, to her surprise 
and hori'or, found a huge snake coiled around it. «/«AS 

The principal and most active citizen of the place T5f James P. 
Coburn, Esq., to whom the citizens of Penji's valley are largely 
indebted for the energy and enterprise he has displayed during the 
past twenty-five years, in connection with the building of the L. C 
& S. C. Railroad. For a number of years he acted as secretary of 
the corporation, and is at present an eflicient and valuable director. 
The oldest male citizen of the place is Mr. David Kreamer, who has 
had an experience of forty years in teaching school. He is now 
eighty-five years old. 

The town is very pleasantly located on an eminence over-looking 
the surrounding country, and is supplied with pure mountain water. 
It has three dealers in general merchandise — M. M. Musser, Isaac 
Boyer and Thomas Yearick — several shops, one hotel, a good public 
school building and three churches — Lutheran, German Reformed 
and MethodisU 

BOALSBUBG. 

Boalsburg is a pleasant village of about four hundred inhabitants, 
located at the foot of Tussy's mountain, near the western end of 
Penn's valley, on the head waters of Spring creek. It was laid out 
and lots sold in 1809, by Andrew Stroup of Snyder county. The 
town was first named Springfield, but when the post-office was estab- 
lished about the year 1820, the name was changed to Boalsburg, in 
honor of David Boal, father of the late Judge Boal, who kept a 
hotel — the first in the ]>lace for. many years — at the east end of the 
village, where he laid out an addition to the town in 1832. David 
Boal was a native of Ireland, but came to Penn's valley from 
Dauphin county. The first store, or one of the first, was kept bv 



OF CKNTKK COINIA'. 1(17 

.loliii Jack, who was succeeded by Col. James Johnson in 181 <S. 
The first postmaster was Col. John Hassou. In 1825 the first 
church was built by the Lutheran and German Reformed congrega- 
tions jointly. The hotel now occupied by S. H. Stover was built 
and occupied by Col. Johnson in 1819. The first school house was 
built about the time the town was started — it occupied the site of 
the present school building. One of the first teachers was Thomas 
Evens, a Quaker. 

The educational flicilitites of the place have generally been unusu- 
ally good for a small village. In 1852 Boalsburg academy opened, 
with Rev. James Austin as principal, and has since educated wholly, 
or in part, quite a number of men now occupying prominent posi- 
tion before the public. Among others, are Gen. James S. Brisbin 
of the regular army, Gen. Custer's successor ; Hon. John H. Stover, 
member of Congress (1868) from Missouri, where he now resides; 
Col. B. F. Fisher, chief of the signal corps of the Army of the 
Potomac during the rebellion, now a prominent member of the 
Philadelphia bar; and George J. Boal, Esq., one of the first lawyers 
of Iowa City, Iowa. 

Boalsburg is in Harris township, twelve miles from Bellefonte, 
and about four from State College. When the L. C. & S. C. Rail- 
road is completed it will run within a mile and a half of the place. 
The town is well supplied with ])ure water, and has near by a spring 
stronglv impregnated with sul])hur. Lying south of the village are 
what is known as the " Seven Mouiilains," among wlii( h is a vast 
stretch of wilderness, afibrding an extensive tran\])ing ground for 
deer. The oldest living citizen born in the neighborhood is Mr. Geo. 
Jack, who is now seventy-five years old, and has always lived within 
a mile of his birth-place. 

The business men of the i)lace are : S. H. Stover, J. N. Dinges 
and George B. Jack, general merchants; Col. Jas. T. Stuart, drug- 
gist ; Jacob Feerer, grain cradle manufacturer ; J. J. Price, grocer 
and confectioner; W. A. Murray and Enoch W. Sweeney, carriage 
makers; Abraham Cole, wagon maker; I. J. Condo & Brother, 
blacksmiths; Jacob Weaver, cabinet maker; Samuel Wormer, sad- 



168 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

dler ; Duniel Mother, tanner ; Thomas Reiley, John Curvin and 
Jesse Jordon, shoe makers ; Jno. H. Fortney and Chas. B. Shaffer, 
merchant tailors; David Young, gunsmith ; Adam Hess, nursery- 
man ; Calvin P. W. Fisher, John F. Woods and John Stamm, phy- 
sicians ; Joseph Peters, justice of the peace; S. H. Stover and Alex, 
Harpster, landlords. There are no licensed houses in the village or 
township. There are three churches in the place : Lutheran, Ger- 
man Reformed and Methodist ; the Presbyterian congregation wor- 
ships in the basement of the academy building, formerly occupied by 
a small congregation of Seceders. There is a lodge of Odd Fellows 
in the toAvn and a fine band, known as the "Citizen's Cornet Band 
of Boalsburg." The first settlers of Boalsburg and vicinity were 
principally Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, and were intelligent and 
worthy people. 

CENTRE HALL. 

The land on which Centre Hall is located was originally owned 
by Christian Hoffer, a native of Lebanon county. In 1828 Mr. 
Henry Whitmer moved from Lebanon county to Aaronsburg, Cen- 
tre county, and engaged in the trade of saddler ; afterward he went 
into the mercantile and hotel l)usiness at that place, and remained 
till 1847, when he moved upon the site of Centre Hall, where he 
had the previous year built the large building now occupied as a 
hotel by J, Spangler. The same year the building occupied by the 
Centre Reporter office was built by Mr. Hotfer, of whom Mr. Whit- 
mer had purchased five acres of land, and afterward bought eighteen 
acres more, adjoining his first purchase. After building the hotel 
and store, with outbuildings, Mr. Whitmer laid out and sold lots 
along the street below the hotel, several of which were soon after 
built upon. Thus the town was started ; there being no buildings 
upon its present site at the time the hotel and store were built, 
except an old blacksmith shop and an old school house — the latter 
building, at the time mentioned, had been converted into a dwelling 
and was occupied by the blacksmith, George Harpster. 



•OF (n^NTl;!", COl!NTY. 169 

To Mr. Henry Whitnier belongs the credit of founding the town 
of which he is now iin honored citizen. He was seventy-nine years 
old on the 22d of July, 1877. Althougli his health is much iiH' 
paired by a recent paralytic stroke, his mind is as clear and active 
as ever. 

The village of Centre Hull was so named because of its location 
in Penn's valley, it being about midway between its eastern and 
western ends. It occupies a beautiful site, on ground gently sloping 
to the south. It is regularly laid out, with streets crossing tit right 
angles, named as follows : Main, HofTer and Whitmer, running 
from north to south, and Locust, Church and Parah, running east 
and west. The buildings of the place are mostly of wood, though 
there are quite a number, including half a dozen residences, two 
churches, scho(jl house and banking house, of brick; several of the 
private residences are tastefully constructed and decidedly attractive 
in appearance. 

Centre Hall is well supplied with business establishments and 
mechanics of various kinds. The leading institution of the place is 
the Penn's Valley Banking House, which was established in 1873, 
with Peter Hoffer as president, and William B. Mingle cashier. 
Mr. Mingle still occupies the same position ; the president at this 
time being William Wolf, Esq. The company, which is known as 
the Penn's Valley Banking Company, is now engaged in putting up 
an elegant three-story brick building, the first floor to be divided 
into two parts — one to be occupied by the bank, and the other being 
'already in use by Mr. William Wolf as a store, the second floor will 
be devoted to offices, and the third to Odd Fellows and Ma- 
sonic halls. 

The manufactory of Van Pelt & Bhoop was formerly conducted 
as the Centre Hall Manufacturing Company, but was sold m 1872, 
and purchased by the senior member of the present firm, H. D. Van 
Pelt of Ithaca, N. Y. He subsequently took in his brother, E. G 
Van Pelt and W. P. Shoop as partners. The firm manufactures a 
full line of agricultural implements. 

The office of the Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance Company of 



170 INDTTSTKIES A>i) I^'STITUT10^>; 

Centre county is located at this place. The officers of the co/npaiir 
are: Gen. George Buchanan, president; Plenry Keller, vice presi- 
dent ; D. F. Lose, secretary ; and Henry Whitmer, treasurer. 

The Centre Hall Water Company was incorporated about twenty 
years ago. Its works supply the town with pure spring water, 
brought from the base of Nittany mountain through iron pipes. 

The Masons and Odd Fellows each have a lodge here in a flour- 
ishing condition. Old Fort Lodge, No. 537, was constituted in 
August, 1875, with the following officers: W.M., Wm. B. Mingle : 
S.W., J. A. Fleming; J.W., D. C. Keller; treasurer, Rob't McCor- 
mick; secretary, C'. F. Harlacher; S.D., H. K. Smith; J.D., J. P. 
Odenkirk ; tyler, O. P. Rarick. The present W.M. is J. A. Flem- 
ing, the S.W., D. C. Keller, and the J.W., S. R. Smith. 

Centre Hall Lodge, No. 895, I. O. of O. F. was organized Jan- 
uary 15, 1875. The first officers were: H. P. Sankey, N.G. ; S. S. 
Farmer, V.G. ; J. M. Gilliland, secretary ; B. D. Brisbin, assistant 
secretary ; J. G. Sankey, treasurer. The officers now are : J. F. 
Lee, N.G. ; G. L. Goodhart, V.G. ; J. F. Alexander, secretary ; J. 
PL Miller, assistant secretary; Philip Messinger, treasurer; S. K. 
Emerick, P.G. The membership is about forty. 

The business persons of Centre Hall, besides those already men- 
tioned, are : William Wolf, general merchandise ; J. K. Miller, 
di'Ugs, &c. ; J. O. Deininger, hardware; J. A. Reesnian, stoves and 
tinware ; Ira T. Cottle, tailor ; Mrs. Lucy Deininger, milliner. 
There are three wagon shops in the place, John T. Lee's, Levi 
Murray's and J. From's ; two blacksmith shops, Jacob Harpster's 
and John T. Lee's ; two saddlers, Jacob Dinges and Henry Boozer : 
three shoe shops, Jacob Richard's, Gift ct Flora's and William A. 
Curry's ; two cabinet makers, Ezra Krumbine, who also manufac- 
tures fanning mills, and William R. Camp ; one undertaker, Jacob 
Ripka; two house and sign painters, D. F. Lose and John Boozer; 
one confectioner, C. Dinges; one tanner, C. H. Shiffer ; one butcher, 
John H. Miller ; two brick manufacturers, H. E. Zerbe and S. S. 
Farmer ; one hotel, J. Spangler, pro])rietor. 

The village has four churches : Lutheran, erected in 1862 and 



OF CKXTllK roirxTY. 171 

n>l)irilt 111 LS7"); Refornied, huiJt in Ibf)! ; Methodit^t and Evangel- 
ical, both huilr ill 187.'5. The Presbyterians worship in the latter 
<'luireh. The ministers are; Kevs, J. K. Miller, Lutheran, who at 
present preaches at other ])oints, but not at Centre Hall; G. W. 
Uouse, Methodist; and W. E. Fishei-, Lutheran pastor in charge. 

The jmblic school building is of brick, two stories high, and 
■contains four rooms. It was built in 1873 at a cost of about 
$4,000.00. In addition to tJie graded jjublic school, there has 
recently been organized in the place a select school, by Professor (j. 
W. Fortney, graduate of Pennsylvania College at <Tettysburg. 
Professor ]^\)rtney has luul considerable experience as teacher in 
various ])opular schools. 

The physicians are Drs. G. D. Neff, William A. -Jacobs and .1. F. 
Alexander. The present justice of the peace is John Shannon, who 
is serving his third term. 

The L. CI & S. C Railroad, now completed to within six miles, 
will ])ass near the town, and' will give the place a much needed out- 
let — east to the Philadelphia ct Erie Railroad at Lewisburg, and 
west to the Pennsylvania Cejitral at Tyrone. 

The Hon. 8. 8. Wolf, who was elected to the Legislature in 1874 
and died the day he was to take his seat, was a citizen of this place. 
In 1869 he was county treasurer, Mr. Fred Kurtz served two terms 
in the Legislature. Mr. John Shannon was county treasurer one 
term and jury commissioner one term. Andrew Gregg, a descendant 
and namesake (»f Andrew Gregg, one of the iirst settlers of the 
county, resides at this place, and is at present serving as county 
commissioner. 

In connection with the history of Centre Hall two persons are 
woithy of especial mention — Mr. Wni. Wolf, because of his promi- 
nent position as a citizen, and Mr. .lohn Hoffer, because of his 
connection with the owner of the land on which the town is built, 
anfl his successful career as a business man. 

William WoW was born in Brush valley, near Rebersburg, Cen- 
tre county, April 30, 1824. His father's name was Jacob AVolf, 
and a farmer by occupation ; being an earnest friend of popular 



17'i rNDIJSTPvrp?^ AND INSTITUTIOXS 

education he strongly advocated the jniblic school system, thereby 
making himself many enemies in his community. Jacob Wolf was 
a son of Paul Wolf, Esq., a native of Lebanon county. Mr. Wolf 
was educated at the common schools and worked upon his father's 
farm till he was twenty -two yeare old, when he entered the store of 
Mr. Henry Whitrner, at Aaronsburg, as clerk, at a salary of fifty- 
two dollars a year, provided he gave satisfaction, which he seems to 
have done, for in the following year he went with Mr. Whitmer tO' 
Centre Hall, and continued in his employ six years ; meantime his 
salary had been raised to two hundred dollars a year. He then 
had six hundred dollars due for services. Having decided to retire 
from the mercantile business, after an experience of thirty years, 
Mr. Whitmer projjosed to sell his stock of goods to Mr. Wolf, which 
oiFer was accepted, the price agreed upon being twenty-four hundred 
dollars. Mr. Wolf had no capital, except the six hundred dollars 
due from Mr. Whitmer, His father, however, became security for 
the payment of the balance ; but, dying the following year, the son 
was left to his own resources, but by persevering effort he succeeded 
in building up a profitable and permanent business. 

In 1854 he was married to a daughter of his former employer 
and permanently located in Centre Hall, where he has ever since 
conducted the mercantile business. In 1858 he was appointed the 
first postmaster of the place, which position he held for twelve 
years. He is a promiiu'iir member of the Lutheran church and 
contributed more largely tliaii any dthcr person toward the expense 
of building the Centre Hall Lutheran church. For a number of 
years he was a trustee of (iettysburg Theological Seminary, a 
Lutheran institution. In 1876 he became president of the Penn's 
Valley Banking Company, which position he still holds. By 
industy, integrity and close tijiplication to business he has made 
himself a leading man of the conununity in wliich he lives. He has 
never sought public office, having always been contented and satis- 
fied to follow the course of an honest and upright citizen rather than 
to engage in the questionable occupation of electioneering. He has 
not only paved his own way through life from a humble beginning 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 173 

to opuleiicr, Itut has materially aided others, having been instru- 
mental in educating two of his brothers for the ministry — one, the 
Rev. Frank Wolf, now deceased ; the other, the Rev. E. J. Wolf, 
D.D., professor in Gettysburg Theological Seminary. He has 
always taken an active part in the affairs of the town, and is never 
behind in aiding benevolent and other praiseworthy objects. As a 
business man Mr. Wolf i« careful, conscientious and industrious. 
He has always kept his own books instead of entrusting them to 
others. In keeping his accounts during his business career he has 
written more than fourteen thousand })ages. 

John Hoffer was born in Lebanon county, April 21, 1S21. His 
father's name was Christian, and his occupation that of farming. 
In 1834 he purchased a tract of five hundred acres in Penn's valley, 
[t included the ground on which Centre Hall is located. He was a 
man of integrity and was highly respected by all who knew him. 
His son was brought up upon the farm. His education was received 
at the schools of the neighborhood, which at that time were not of 
the highest order. To be able to read, write, spell and to under- 
stand the rudiments of arithmetic, w^as considered a fair education 
in primitive days ; but a considerable amount of energy and deter- 
mination enabled Mr. Hofter to become an intelligent and well 
informed man, and for a time he engaged in teaching. 

In the spring of 1852 he went to California. He sailed by the 
way of Cape Horn, and was one hundred and fourteen days in 
making the trip. He remained in the Golden State about ten years, 
engaged in mining, and on his return again turned his attenti(jn 
to farming, which occupation he continued until the fall of 1857, 
when he was elected to the office of prothonotary of Centre county, 
which position he held for three years, discharging his duties w-ith 
fidelity and satisfaction to the public. In the spring of 1861 he, in 
company with his brother Peter, engaged in the mercantile business 
in Bellefonte, in which he has been deservedly successful, and still 
continues. 

Mr. HofFer still owns a part of the old homestead farm at Centre 
Hall, but now resides in Bellefonte, where he ranks among the 



174 INDUSTEIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

prominent business men of the place. He Avas twice married — first 
to Leah Keller, the second time to Sallie Pruner, and is the father 
of three children — one of whom died in infancy — one, a son, gradu- 
ated at Franklin and Marshall College in June, 1877. Mr. Hotfer 
is a member of the Reformed church. 

EAGLEVILLE. 

Eagleville is situated on the Bald Eagle creek in Liberty town- 
ship. The eastern portion was laid out on lands formerly belonging 
to Absolem Liggett, by Solomon Strong and Dr. Roberts. The first 
dwelling house was built in 1832 by William Parks, son-in-law of 
Absolem Liggett. The first hotel was erected in 1834 by Richard 
Riter. In 1854 additional lots were laid out west of the original 
plot by Jonas Spangler on land previously owned by Daniel Kunes. 

The place has two churches — Baptist and Disciple — a good public 
school building and an Odd Fellows' hall. The following are the 
names of persons engaged in business at the present time : James I. 
Kunes and William Singer & Co., merchants ; Stover, Clark & Co., 
founders ; Samuel H. Kunes and Mrs. E. Kunes, hotel proprietors ; 
D. W. Clark, blacksmith ; Joseph Q. Williams and John P. 
Williams, carpenters and undertakers ; W. F. Courter, shoemaker 
and justice of the peace; H. A. Snyder, postmaster and justice of 
the peace. 

HOWARD. 

The borough of Howard is situated in the Bald Eagle valley 
fifteen and three-tenths miles from Lock Haven and eleven and 
five-tenths from Bellefonte. The land on which the village is 
located belongs to several original surveys. At the time it was 
started the owners were: William Tipton, Roland Curtin and James 
Butler, each of whom laid out and sold lots. 

The first house built within the present limits of the borough was 
erected about the year 1800 by William Tipton ; it is now- owned 
by A. S. Tipton, son of the former. About the same time Jacob 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 175 

and Joseph Baker, natives of Northumberland county, each built a 
house, the former the one owned and occupied by the Rev. Nathan 
J. Mitchel, and the latter the one now owned by the heirs of Samuel 
Leathers. About the year 1814 James Crawford built the house 
now owned by Mr. David McKinney. A year or so later Samuel 
Cowperthwaite built one — it stood immediately southwest of Craw- 
ford's, and is now owned by Jacob Z. Long. Not far from that 
time a log church was erected by the Mennouites, a sect of German 
Baptists. It stood near the site of the present Methodist church. 
It was torn down about 1825. In 1843 the Methodists built a 
frame church on the same lot, which finally gave way to the fine 
brick edifice they now occupy, erected in 1875. 

At a very early day, probably previous to 1800, a mill was con- 
structed at the east end of the present borough, and run for many 
years by John Miller. It eventually went to ruins and Avas replac- 
ed, a few years ago, by the present mill owned by T. A. Long. 

The borough derived its name from the township in which it is 
located — that being so called in honor of the great philanthropist, 
John Howard. 

The first store in Howard borough was started in 1830, by H. B. 
Packer, brother of Gov. Packer. When he ordered his first stock of 
goods he made the trip to Philadelphia on horseback. Soon after 
opening his store he was appointed postmaster, the first in the place. 

Howard was incorporated as a borough in 1864. The first bur- 
gess was S. F. Kline, who now also occupies that position. Jacob 
Baker, Esq., was first appointed justice of the peace in 1840, and 
has held the office continuously ever since. He is the oldest citizen 
of the place. George Sperring, Esq., is the other justice for the 
borough. He is a native of England, and came to this country in 
1835. 

The following are the men now engaged in business in Howard ; 
Lucas & Bro., S. F. Kline, Kobert Cooke and B. Weber & Co., dry 
goods and groceries ; B. F. Troxel and John Deal, tinware and 
stoves ; A. G.. Shope, jeweler ; H. C. Holter, cabinet maker and 
undertaker ; B. F. Holter and Thos. Mallory, blacksmiths ; Samuel 



176 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

Briekley, shoe store ; H. B. Grove, wagon maker and butcher; L. 
R. Hensyl, physician ; D. W. Fletcher, cabinet maker and stair 
builder ; Jas. Mehaffy, confectioner and postmaster ; I\. V. Shaffer, 
landlord — proprietor Syracuse Plouse ; Howard A. Moore, druggist. 

The place has two churches, Methodist Episcopal and Disciple, 
one public school building, a good structure, with accommodations 
for two schools. It has no secret order except Odd Fellows ; three 
ministers. Revs. N. J. Mitchel, Disciple, W. E. Detwiler, Evangeli- 
cal, and J. B. Akers, Methodist. 

Near the town there is being constructed, at the expense of the 
county, a fine bridge across the Bald Eagle creek. It is to be built 
entirely of iron and stone, and will be a substantial structure. It 
will cost about thirty-five hundred dollars. 

There is one old and highly respected citizen of the place who 
deserves something more than a passing notice. The Rev. Nathan 
J. Mitchel, the head of the Disciple church in Central Fennsylvania, 
was born March 2, 1808, in Washington county, Fa., and came to 
Howard in 1832, from Stark county, Ohio, where he had just 
married a sister of Gov. Facker. Mr. Mitchel is a man of great 
intelligence, being well informed on general topics, as well as the 
doctrines of his church, and probably has as many warm personal 
friends as any other man in the county. 

HUBLERSBURG. 

Hublersburg is situated on the main road leading from Bellefonte 
to Lock Haven, nine miles east of the former and sixteen miles west 
of the latter. The population is one hundred and sixty. 

Jacob Hubler owned the land on which the village is located and 
laid out lots about the year 1820. At that time there was no land 
cleared in the neighborhood, except a few acres occupied by William 
McEweu, now owned by John Miller. The first store in the place 
was opened by Moses Felmlee about 1830 — it occuj^ied a small log 
house, a mere cabin. He was succeeded by Boozer & McKean. 
The first church was built not far from the vear 1840, by the Fres- 



OF CENTRK couvrv. 177 

bvteriaiis. A hotel was started as early as 1835 by Andrew McKee. 

The first citizens of the place were: Jacob Miller, Wm. McEwen, 
Philip Grove, Henry Reed, Henry Divins, father of John Divins, 
now associate judge of the county, and Henry McEwen. The 
tiirming community of the vicinity, at an early day, was composed 
of the families of Andrew Weaver, Wm. McEwen, for many years 
justice of the peace and surveyor, Jacob Johnsonbaugh, William 
Carner, Abraham Riegel, Francis McEwen and Adam Decker. 

Previous to 1812 Samuel McKinney built a carding mill a mile 
and a half east of where the town is located. McKinney served in 
the war of 1812, and with Henry McEwen was with Perry's fleet 
on Lake Erie. 

The principal business man of the place is Mr. Henry Brown, 
proprietor of a general merchandise store, and postmaster, which 
position he has held continuously since 1857, no complaint having 
ever been made against him to the department The other mer- 
chant of the village is S. H. Goodhart, dealer in dry goods, groceries, 
&c. The mechanics are : J. R. Kessinger, founder ; George Swartz, 
founder and machinist ; G. M. Wasson, D. M. Whitman and James 
Edminston, blacksmiths ; E. J. Markle and Charles Harshberger, 
coach makers ; Ellis Flick and Jackson Clevenstine, shoemakers — 
the latter the founder of Zion ; John Teats, earthenware manufac- 
turer; J. F. Emerick, harness maker; E. L. Bergstresser, photog- 
rapher, and inventor and manufacturer of the " Monitor Corn-planter 
and Fertilizer." There are three churches in the place — Presby- 
terian, Evangelical and Reformed — and one hotel. 

LEMONT. 

This town is located in Penn's valley, at the west end of Nittany 
mountain, on Spring creek, nine miles from Bellefonte and three 
from the State College. The land on which it is situated was origin- 
ally owned by James Whitehill and afterwards passed into the 
hands of John Irvin, whose daughter, Mrs. Berry, received it by 
inheritance, and left it to her heirs. It was then sold, and purchased 



178 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

by Moses Thompson, Esq., who laid out the town in 1870. It.s 
name was conferred by John I. Thompson, son of the proprietor, 
and is the French name for " the mountain." The locality was for 
many years previous known as "the end of the mountain." The 
first buildings erected after the town was laid out were the fine stone 
residence of J. I. Thompson ; the corner building, combining store 
and residence, built by J. H. Hahn, and now occupied by Thomp- 
son & Co. ; the Presbyterian church — one of the finest in the county ; 
and Dr. J. Y. Dale's residence. A fine school building was erected 
the following year. 

There are now two general merchandise stores in the place : those 
of Thomjjson & Co. and D. F. Taylor ; a jewelry store, J. Q. A. 
Kennedy's ; a stove and tinware store, J. W. Getz's ; one harness 
maker, Thomas Gramley ; a blacksmith, John Meese ; Dr. J. Y. Dale 
is the only physician ; John E. Murray, postmaster, and O. M Whip- 
ple the proprietor of the only hotel. 

The village has fifteen or twenty dwellings and a population of 
over a hundred, is healthful, and pleasantly situated. The buildings 
are generally of a better class than those of most villages ; some 
would be a credit to any town. The church, which is built of lime- 
stone, is an elegant structure. It cost, including furniture, about 
fourteen thousand dollars. 

The line of the L. C & S. C. Railroad runs near the village, 
which is the point of intersection of a projected road from Belle- 
fonte. 

At the time the place was laid out the following families were 
living on or near its site : Peter Schrack's, Mrs. William Dale's, 
Robert Whitehill's, Samuel Wasson's, William Lytle's, and the Wil- 
liamses. The Whitehills, Thompsons, Dales and Mitchels, have 
been prominent families in the neighborhood for many years. 

The woolen mill of Dale Bro.'s is located about half a mile from 
the place. 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 179 



MILESBURG. 



Milesburg is situated two miles from Bellefoute on Spring creek, 
near where it empties into the Bald Eagle. It was laid out in 1793 
by Colonel Samuel Miles, and was incorporated as a borough 
in 1843. 

It is said the first actual settler near the site of Milesburg was 
Andrew Boggs, who had a cabin on the bank of Bald Eagle creek, 
just below the present town and near the "Bald Eagle's Nest," 
the home of the chief. At what date Mr. Boggs located is not 
definitely known, but it is certain that it was while the Indians still 
lived in the neighborhood. Tradition says that on one occasion he 
was told by a friendly Indian that another Indian was going to 
take his life, and that his plan was to secrete himself behind a tree 
in the vicinity of Boggs' cabin and imitate the " gobbling" of a 
turkey, and when the settler should go out to kill the supposed wild 
turkey, shoot him down ; but being Avarned, Boggs went to his 
stable, and when the Indian " gobbled " and looked from behind the 
tree to Avatch the effect of his ruM, shot and killed him. 

Among the first settlers of Milesburg and vicinity were the 
following families, in addition to those mentioned elsewhere in these 
pages : the Greens, Lees, Shirks, Barnharts, Antises, William and 
Moses Boggs — the latter at one time partner of Roland Curtin in 
the iron business. These Boggses, it is said, were not related to 
Andrew, the first settler. 

At the time Centre county was organized Milesburg competed 
with Bellefonte for the court house, with fair prospects, for a time, of 
success. Milesburg was then a prominent business and manufac- 
turing centre and looked upon as a prosperous town. At quite an 
early day manufactories of various kinds were established, and for 
many years the streets showed unmistakable evidences of general 
progress. There are now in operation in the town and vicinity two 
flouring mills and several other manufactories. Within a few years 
an addition to the town has been made on the west side of the 
creek, which bids fair to become, in a few years, an important part 



180 IlfDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

of the place. The following- notice of Col. J. F. Weaver, taken in 
part from Bates' " Martial Deeds " is deemed worthy of a place in 
a sketch of the town : 

Col. Weaver, son of John Weaver, was born near Bellefonte, on 
November 6, 1830. He was educated at the public schools and at 
Bellefonte academy. In 1847 he entered the office of the Clarion 
Democrat and served an apprenticeship of three years. He after- 
wards engaged in the mercantile business in Bellefonte, then became 
editor and proprietor of the Centre Democrat. In the spring of 
1855 he removed to Milesburg and again engaged in merchandising, 
continuing till 1861. In August, 1862, he recruited company B, of 
the 148th regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers, of which he was com- 
missioned captain, and subsequently became major, lieut.-colonel and 
colonel of that regiment. During his militarj^ experience he did 
valuable service for the Union cause. He participated in the battles 
of Chancellorville, Po River, Spottsylvania and in the engagements 
before Petersburg. For his conduct at Ream's Station he was com- 
plimented upon the field by Gen. Miles, commander of the division. 
He was elected treasurer of Centre county in October, 1871, and 
member of Assembly in November, 1876. 

In December, 1851, he was married to Miss Mary M. Hall, daugh- 
ter of ex-sheriflJ' T. M. Hall. At present he resides in Milesburg, 
and is engaged in farming. 

For a number of years past, he has devoted much time and 
attention to the education of the laboring masses, especially the 
farmer ; and to this end has taken an active part in the powerful 
organization known as the Patrons of Husbandry. Firmly im- 
pressed with the belief that the future welfare of the country 
depends largely upon the intelligence and virtue of the people 
composing that order, he has stood up boldly in its defense, and by 
his constant and untiring efforts has contributed greatly to its 
success. 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 181 



MILLHEIM. 



The land on which Millhcini is situated was surveyed in pursu- 
ance of a warrant dated Nov. 24, 1772, granted to John Cash. In 
alhision to the name of the warrantee, tlie tract was called " Ready 
Money," and was conveyed by Cash to David Shaksjiear, and by 
him transferred to Michael Gunkle, December 30, 17i)4. In 1797 
Philip Gunkle came into possession of it, and in the following year 
(1798) laid out the town. The village is located on Elk creek, a 
tributary of Penn's creek. The former stream affords one of the 
finest water powers 'in Penn's valley, sufficient to drive extensive 
machinery. It is now utilized to a considerable extent for that 
purpo-e. With the other natural and acquired advantages of the 
locality, this makes the place a most desirable site for the building 
of various kinds of manufacturing establishments. 

IMillhejm is one of the oldest towns in Centre county, and was 
settled almost entirely by people of German descent, from the lower 
counties, principally Lebanon and Berks. For many years the 
German language, or " Peiuisylvania Dutch," w'as exclusively 
spoken. Tlie children, however, were many of them sent to English 
schools, and encouraged to learn that language, that they might 
have a knowledge of both. The town was so named because of the 
existence on its site, at the time it was laid out, of two mills — 
" hcim" being the German for "home;" the name, therefore, signi- 
fies " mUl home,'' or home of flic »;///•■<. 

Hincc the starting of the place its growth has been moderate, the 
citizens preferring to move slowly and surely rather than run the 
risk of over-reaching. During the first twenty years of its existence 
its population increased to something over one hundred, as far as 
can be ascertained. In 1812 Jacob and John Harter, natives of 
Lebanon county, located in Millheim, the former to engage in 
blacksmithing and the latter in w'agon making. The place at that 
time contained about a dozen houses. The two mills alluded to 
were built of logs, and stood upoji or near the sites of the two 
flouring mills now owned by D. A. Musser, Esq. There was also a 



182 [NDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

hotel, said to have been the first frame building erected in the place. 
It was kept, at the time mentioned, by a man named Brosius. The 
building is still standing, owned by Samuel Behm and occupied by 
Henry Weiser. Benjamin and Henry Lees had a store in the 
building now owned and occupied as such by Elisha Campbell. A 
blacksmith shop stood on the ground now occu])ied as the shop of 
William Weiser, and a wagon shop stood where the plastered house , 
owned by D. A. Foote now stands The dwellings at that time 
were: one on the site of Jacob Gepharts residence; the small, red 
1)uilding now oAvned by the heirs of the late Daniel Reighard ; the 
one now occupied by the post-ofRce, and the house now owned by 
John Keene. A school house for German school stood where 
Snook's store now stands, and one for English where the United 
Brethren church is situated. There being no church building their 
religious services were held in the school houses. 

During the war of 1812a rifle company organized at Millheim 
and went into the United States service. It was stationed at Black 
Rock; but because of not being properly supplied with food and 
clothing, they took " French leave " and returned home after an 
absence of a month or so. The captain of the rifles was Joseph 
Kleckner ; the first lieutenant, John Jones ; the ensign, Jacob 
Lutz. John Straw, Daniel Smith, Thomas Wiley, Charles Schref- 
fler and Joseph Reighard were privates. At about the same time 
the rifle company left the place, Robert Aikens, John Suavely and 
Thomas Cronemiller enlisted in the navy and served under Commo- 
dore Perry oA Lake Erie, being with that gallant officer when he 
captured the British fleet, and received medals for meritorious 
conduct. It is related of a brother of Cronemiller, who was also 
with Perry, having gone from another part of the county, that as 
the Americans boarded the enemys ships, the English cried for 
"quarter," whereupon Cronemiller naively said: "We have not 
time to quarter you, but we will halve (have) you." 

Jacob and John Harter are both now living in .Millheim, tlie 
oldest citizens of the place ; the former is eighty-seven years of age, 
and a much respected member of the community. He served fifteen 



OF OENTll]': COUNTY. l<^'i 

years ih justico of the peace, and was at one time captain of the 
militia. He has raised a family of six cliildren, with one of whom, 
yivr. WiUow, he now lives. Mr. John Harter is eighty-tive years 
old, (piite vigorous in health, with mental faculties unimpaired. Ho 
raised ten children, one daughter being married to J. K. Purman of 
Clinton county, the father of Hon. W. J. Purman, ex-member of 
(Vmgress from Florida. 

Millheim is distant from Bellefonte twenty and two-tenths miles, 
from Centre Hall tw'elve and tAvo-tenths, Irom Madisoid)urg four 
and live-tenths, from Aaronsburg one and five-tenths, and from 
Kebersburg five and four-tenths. 

The L. C. A: S. C. Railroad, now in course of construction, runs 
about two miles from the town. The station is called " CV)burn," in 
honor of James P. Coburn, Esq., one of the directors of the road. 
* This station is not only the shipping point for Millheim and vicinity, 
but for Aaronsburg, Woodward, and Rebersburg, Madisonburg, and 
other places in Brush valley, and Tylersville in Sugar valley, 
Clinton county. At Coburn there is one hotel, the " Forks House," 
P. H. Stover proprietor, one store, one tailor shop, and a grain 
elevator. The i-ailroad agent is C. C. Huston. The Mifiiinburg and 
Bellefoiite, and the Millheim and Lock Haven turnpikes meet at 
Millheim. Mails arrive daily from all jjoints east via. Lewisburg, 
and from all points west via. Bellefonte, and every Tuesday, Thurs- 
day and Saturday, from the north and east via. Lock Haven, and 
fiom the north and west via. Howard. The ])opulation of the place 
is about six hundred. 

The following are the names of the men now doing business in 
Millheim : John C. Motz & Co., baidvcrs — the banking house of this 
cc)m])anv was established in 1872, with John C. Motz president and 
A. Walter cashier ; Walter & Deininger, publishers MiUJic'Dii Jour- 
u((/.; William K. Alexander, general merchandise; E. C. Campbell, 
general merchandise and flouring mill ; J. W. Snook, general mer- 
chandise; J. D. Foote, foundry and machine shop, and general mer- 
chandise; D. A. Musser, hnnber, cement, grain and flour; Snook, 
Smith c^ Co., hardware ; Deininger cN: Musser, marble works ; J. 



184 [^UUSTKIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

Eisenluitli, drugs and confections; C. H. Held, Jewelry; W. L. 
Musser, tanner; D. I. Brawn, tinware; W. H. Wciser, tinware; 
W. S. Musser, Milllieim hotel ; Jonathan Krcanicr, First National 
hotel; E. B. Hartman, foundry and nnicliine shop; George Peters, 
planing mill ; H. II. Tomlinson, groceries; B. O. Deininger, books 
and stationery ; M. Ulrich, saddler ; G. W. Stover, saddltr ; J. B^ 
Ford, taihjr; T. Frank, tailor; J. F. Henzel, boot and shoe maker; 
Samuel Albright, carriage maker ; E. Bartholomew, boot and shoe 
maker; J. C. Springer, barber; Elias Lose, builder and contractor; 
H. Kreamer, stair maker and house painter; William Mauck, chair 
maker; H. Bolinger, undertaker; Wm. R. Weiser, blacksmith; S. 
G. Gutelius, dentist ; D. W. Zeigler, saddler ; H. Bolinger, oysters 
and confectionery; M. Lamy, gunsmith ; T. J. Decker, millwright 
and contractor ; Israel Confer, contractor and builder ; J, F. Cham- 
bers, clothing and notions; Adolph Miller, cigar maker; Miller & 
Bro., cabinet makers ; D. L. Zerby, teacher; J. H. Breon, miller. 

The place has two ministers : Revs. C. F. Deininger and J. H. 
Peters, both of the Evangelical Association ; one physician, Dr. D. 
H. Mingle, graduate of Jefierson Medical College of Philadelphia. 
The justice of the peace is J. H. Reil>;nyder, Esq., who is also sur- 
veyor and conveyancer ; the postmaster is C'harles Sevels. The 
organizations are : The Millheim Building and Loan Association ; 
Millheim Council No. 309, O. U. A. M.; Providence Grange, No. 
217, Patrons of Husbandry; Irving Literary Institute, and the Mill- 
heim Cornet band. Near the place is the distillery of Stover & 
Hinkle, which annually consumes over five thousand bushels of 
grain. 

The leading business man of Millheim is D. A. Musser, the 
present county treasurer. He was b(jrn in Gregg township. Centre 
county, in 1822. His father, Philip B. Musser, was born in Lehigh 
county, Pa., April 27, 1785, and came to Penn's valley, with his 
parents, in 1792. He was one of the early commissionej-s of the 
county. Pie was married to a daughter of the Rev. Mr. Ilgen, onc^ 
of the first Lutheran ministers of Penn's valley. D. A. ISIusser 
remained on the farm with his father till he was eighteen vears old, 



OF €KKTKK COIIKTY. 185 

■attending the common schools ii lew montlis cacli year. His iatlier 
then removed to Farmer's mill, in Gregg township, which the two 
condnctod about seven years, then went to Millheini, where the 
father purchased, in 1846, the mill ])r()perty of Col. Hublei-. The 
son assumed the management of the property, which consisted of a 
saw mill and a flouring mill, continuing in charge about two years. 
x\t the end of that time he became deimty sheriff under his brotlier, 
W. L. Musser. After remaining in the sheriff's office one year 
he entered into partnership with his lirother in the purchase of a 
tract of timber hind, containing five thousand acres, located in Po 
vallev, Centre county, and engaged quite extensively in the manu- 
facture and sale of lumber. At the end of one year he returned to 
Millheim and again took charge of the mills, still, however, retain- 
ing liis interest in the lumbering business. 

In 1859 he purchased water power and location of his father near 
the old mill and erected a foundry and machine shop, which is now 
under the management of D. A. Foote. 

In 18(33 he bought the Duncan saw mill property, iucluding seven 
hundred acres of land lying in the gap between Peini's and Brush 
valleys. He afterwards sold an interest in this property to Mr. J. 
Gephart, with whom he is now engaged in the manufacture of 
lumber. 

In 1867 he purchased all the property owned by his father at 
Millheim, and in the year following, in connection Avith H.T. Smith, 
went into the tanning and mercantile business under the firm name 
of tSmith & Mu-^ser; two years later the firm sold out both the tan- 
nery and store to G. M. Swartz. 

'In 1860 he constructed a cement mill adjoining the flouring mill, 
and each year manufactures a large amount of cement of the finest 
quality; the material for which is obtained near by. 

In 1870 he bought the Duncan flouring mill, which he now 
operates in connection with his other business. He also still con- 
ducts the lumbering business in Po valley in company with J. P. 
Gephart, Esq, of Bellefonte, who purchased W. L. Musser's interest 
in the property about 1860. 



186 IKDTTSTRIES ANT) INSTITUTIONS 

Mr. Musser wat; elected treasurer of Centre county in 1875, which 
office he is now filling acceptably to the citizens of the county. 

In 1852 he was married to Miss Lydia A., daughter of Mr. David 
Schreffler, one of the early settlers of Millheini. 

In conclusion, it is proper to say that Mr. Musser is one of the 
leading citizens of the place, where he is surrounded by an intelli- 
gent and agreeable family, and all the comforts and conveniences 
necessary in this life. He is a prominent member of the Methodist 
church. 

MADISONBVRG. 

This phice is located in Brush valley, within the limits of Miles 
township. It was laid out in 1816 by Jacob Reber, who owned the 
land on which it is situated. The first church was erected in 1833 
by the united Lutheran and German Reformed congregations. As 
nearly as can be ascertained the first store was started about 1830, 
and kept for a number of years by Daniel Hackenberg. 

Among the first settlers of the place were Michael Bierly and \ 
Jacoli Stager, At an early day the Sheffcrs, Artleys and Hazels 
settled in the neighborhood. It is related of one family, at least, of 
the early settlers, " that at one time their provisions got so scarce 
that they had to dig up potatoes which they had planted, cut out 
the 'eyes,' replant them, and eat the rest of the potato." 

Madisonburg now contains one store, one hotel, a public school 
building, and two churches — Methodist, and the one occupied by the 
(lerman Reformed and Lutheran congregations. 

» 

PHILIPS]] Vh'G. 

Some Englishmen by tlic name of Plii]ij)s and Baker, owning a 
large l)ody of wihl land on the western s]o])e of the Allegheny 
mountain, in wliat are now the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Cam- 
bria and Indiana, having decided to make settlements upon it, sent 
out, about the year 1794, two agents — Behee and Trcziyulnv — -to 



OP CRNTRR COU>rTY. 187 

lav out a town. These a2;cuts selected a spot on the eastern bank of 
Irhe Moshannou creek, some distance above the mouth of Cold stream, 
where tlicy laid out a town to which they gave the name ol' 
" Moshannou town." To in(hice settlers to emigrate to this new 
town, the Philip-ic^ offered each one of tlie first twelve a premium of 
a town lot and a four acre out-lot. After some delay the agents 
induced the required twelve to emigrate to the wilderness where 
their new town was located. T]\e names of those twelve pioneers 
were as follows; Dr. Conrad Bergman, from Upper Saxony; Joseph 
Barth, from Strasburg in Alsace ; Jacob Dimeling, from Wirtem- 
burg ; Klumbach, from some part of (xcrmany ; Leary, from the 
north of Ireland ; Liepoldt, from Germany ; McAuly, from Scot- 
land ; Jacob Meyer, from Gei-many ; Reese, from Hesse Cassel ; 
Schilloh, from Germany ; John Henry 8imler, from 8axe Coburg ; 
and John Shultz, froui jNIagdeburg in Lower Saxony. It will be 
observed that tliese persons were all Europeans — not one American 
among them. When they arrived they found the new town a 
howling wilderness, covered with a dense forest and occupied by all 
sorts of wild animals. The only indications of civilization were a 
few axe marks on the trees, showing where the streets were located ; 
and the only means of getting to the place, a mere foot-path across 
the mountain from Bellefonte, which had been settled a year or two 
previously ; and the only means of transporting their property being 
on horseback, or on their own shoulders. Some of these pioneers 
stayed but a short time when they returned to the East, and others 
remained and built dwellings which thev occupied for some time and 
then left. Reese and Simler stayed quite a number of years before 
they went awav. Mr. Shultz was the only one who remained till 
the day of his death. 

The first house built in the town, with the exception of a few huts 
for temporary shelter, w'as constructed of round logs by John Shultz. 
This was followed soon after by John Henry Simler, who built the 
first hewed log house. Shultz's house occupied the south corner of 
Presque Isle and Second streets; Simler's occupied the northeast 
corner of Laurel and Front streets (in-esent Pierce's corner). At 



188 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

this time and for some years later Indians were somewhat plenty in 
this locality. They had an encampment along the right bank of the 
Moshannon creek below where the turnpike now crosses it. They 
belonged to Corn-planters tribe and generally were peaceable and 
gave the settlers no trouble. In addition to these twelve original 
settlers, the Philipses offered a premium to the next twelve, provided 
they would each build a hewed log house upon the lot. Samuel 
Turner is the only one now known to have received a deed for his 
lot on these terms. Jacob Wise, Sr., was one of the early settlers, 
coming to the place shortly after the twelve pioneers. These were 
followed by : Carothers, Fetters, Dillman, Joseph Earls and Peter 
Young. 

During the year 1790 the State road was o|>eued through here; 
and in 1797 Henry and James Philips came to the place, bringing 
with them a number of men whom they set to work clearing land 
and making other improvements. They made for themselves a 
hewed log house on the southeast corner of Front and Pine streets; 
and on the opposits side of the road, between that and the creek, 
they built a large hewed log barn, known for many years as the 
" big barn." They also built a grist mill and saw mill on Cold 
stream, near what was afterward known as "the forge." About 
this time Nat, Philips visited the place. The Philipses left all the 
details of their business to be carried out by a foreman, they spend- 
ing most of their own time hunting and fishing. After staying some 
time the whole three of these Philipses left Moshannontown, and 
their business was carried on by two agents of the name of Barlow 
and Feltwell, until the year 1809, when Hardman Philips arrived 
in tlie place and clianged its nauie to Philipsburg, in honor of his 
brothers who had preceeded him. In addition to the persons who 
settled immediately in the town a nund)er of peo|)le had taken u|) 
lands at some distance and opened farms. 

In 1808 the Kylers, Schmehl, Weiser and Schimmel, bought land 
from James Philips along the State road beyond the Moshannon 
creek. About the same time John Coulter cleared some land and 
built a house at what is now known as Trov's bridy-e. A short 



OF CKNTRE COUNTY. 189 

distance down the creek a man named Anderson settled. Abraham 
Goss, Valentine Flcgal, John Crowell and a man by the name of 
Winters bought land and cleared farms along the road leading from 
Mosliannontown to Indiana county. Flegal's place is now known 
as " Steiner's," and Winters' farm is where tht; tow^n of Osceola now 
stands. 

During the summer of 1817 Ilanbiiau Philips built a forge on 
Cold stream, near the site of the old mill, which gave employment 
to a great many men, and made times brisk and lively. Previous 
to this he had built a new saw mill. About this time William Bag- 
shaw came to Philipsburg and became the Philipses' general mana- 
ger, a position he occupied for many years. 

During the war with Great Britain, in the year I8I0, a detach- 
ment of soldiers, on their way to tlie northern frontier, encamped in 
Philipslnirg for about a week, waiting for other forces to join them. 
During this time they raised a pole on which they displayed the 
stars and stripes, nuicli to the disgust of several tories who lived in 
the place, and who, by their outspoken denunciations, got into con- 
siderable difficulty with the soldiers, who were about to treat them 
to summai-y punishment, lint, at the intercession of some of the loyal 
inhabitants, let them escape. 

The first tavern kept in Moshannontown was opened by John G. 
Shultz, shortly after the first settlement. He was followed soon 
afterward, in the same business, by John Henry Simlcr. At a some- 
what later day an Englishman by the name of Wrigley came to the 
place, and l)uying the north wc^st and southwest corners of Front and 
Pres(|uc Isle streets, besides a large extent of what is known as the 
"Beaver meadows," built a large house, for the times, on the north- 
west corner of the avenue, named streets and opened a tavern also. 
In the spring of 1816 Jacob Test and James McGirk bouglit the 
Wrigley property and set up a tavern, and some time after estab- 
lished a tannery, which they carried on for some years. 

The first attempt to keep a stoi-e was made by Mr. Trcziyulny 
He was followed by Mr. Wrigley, who, in turn, gave way to John 
Loraine, who, having bought Sinder's establishment, carried on the 



190 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

store business for a number of years ; he was also the first justice of 
the peace in Philipsburg. 

In 1820 the turnpike from Philipsburg to Curwinsville was com- 
pleted, and in 1821 the turnpike bridge across the Moshannon creek 
was built, and the turnpike made from Philipsburg to Bellefonte, 
and stage coaches began to run through from Philadelphia to Erie. 

In 1821 Hardman Philips built his screw factory at what is now 
known as Point Lookout. This was the first screw factory built in 
the United States. Subsequently the grist mill and foundry were 
removed from the forge to the same locality. In 1844 Hardman 
Philips sold out his estate to Ullman & Stanly of New York and 
returned to England. The new firm had intended to carry on the 
iron business extensively, but the taritf being repealed they gave up 
the idea, and after conducting the foundry and saw-mill for about 
two years threw up their bargain and returned to New York. 
About the year 1854 the Philipsas' estate was sold a second time, 
John M. Hale, Esq., of Philadelphia becoming the purchaser. Mr. 
Hale afterwards associated with him Governor Morgan and George 
D. Morgan of New York, and R. C, E. W., and James T. Hale of 
Bellefonte, with the firm name of " Morgan, Plale & Co." 

Mr. Philips at an early day made an attempt to get a railroad 
across the mountain, and at one time had a corps of engineers sur- 
veying the route ; but that attempt and several subsequent efforts 
proved failures, until December, 1863, through the exertions of 
Morgan, Hale & Co., the " iron horse " at last made its appearance 
in Philipsburg. — \_From manuscript histort/ of PhiUpdmrg by George 
Shultz, Esq. 

Mr. Shultz, the writer of the above sketch, is a son of John 
Shultz, one of the twelve original colonists of Philipsburg, and was 
born and brought up in the wilderness of the Moshannon, at a time 
when there were no schools in the vicinity ; but his father being a 
good German scholar, he soon learned to read that language — in 
fact, he could read German before he knew a word of English. 
After a time he became the owner of the " Columbian reading 
book," and from that, with the help of some of his young com- 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 191 

paiiioiis, k'ariK'd in ii short tinie to road ami speak a little English' 
He afterwards learned to read (xreck, and, as he says in his nianu- 
seript "Recollections of Philipsburg," "I learned to read three lan- 
guages without seeing the inside of a school room." He acquired a 
knowledge of grammar from a Mr. Hall and his sister — "two 
Yankees who taught grammar by lectures." While pursuing his 
studies he learned the trades of weaving, shoemaking, blacksmith- 
ing, carpentering, tailoring, moulding, coal mining, and lastly became 
a farmer, which occupation he still pursues, upon the tract where he 
first located. He is now seventy-one years old, hale, hearty, and 
apparently fis much devoted to his studies as he was fifty years ago. 
He is especially interested in astronomy, of which science he has a 
very good knowledge, and understands navigation and surveying. 
With all the rest he has written considerable rhyme, some of which 
shows evidence of ability. 

In addition to the facts given by Mr. Shultz the following have 
been gathered from various sources : 

The Methodist denomination was for many years the only one 
that held regular religious services in the place. The first " meet- 
ings" were at the house of Christian Walters. 

John Henry 8imler, mentioned by Mr. 8hultz as one of the 
pioneers of Philipsburg, was a Revolutionary soldier, and took part 
in the buttle of Yorktown, where he received a saber wound in the 
forehead. During the engagement he captured a sword from a 
British sfildicr ; the weapon is still in possession of his grandson, 
George B. Sinder, of Philipsburg. 

Philipsburg was incorporated as a borough in January, 1865. 
The first burgess was James C. Williams. The population in 1870 
was one thousand and eighty-six, but including Lloydsville and 
Point Lookout it is now estimated at two thousand. The Tyrone 
cfe Clearfield Railroad passes through, the t(j\vn, which is connected 
by a branch with the Morrisdale mines. Philipsburg has been, for 
several years past, quite a shipping point for coal, most of which, 
however, was mined in Clearfield county. The annual shipments 
have been from one to two hundred thousand tons. The first coal 



192 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

sent to market over the Tyrone ct Clcarlicld road wa.s shipped from 
Powelton in 1861 by John Nntta'J. 

The business of the place is conducted by the following persons : 
C. Munson & Sons, Strouse, Lehman ct Co.,^Kcssler & Huffington, 
John Nuttall & Co., Hoover, Harris & Co., Oscar Adams, Daniel 
Ayers and Samuel Fleck, general merchandise; E. A. Ryman, groc- 
eries ; G. H. Zeigler, hardware ; G. S. Flegal, tinware and stoves ; 
T. H. Switzer, books and millinery ; R. D. McKinney and D. \V. 
Holt, drugs ; E. A. Davis and William D. A. Nagle, jeAvelry ; R. 
Hudson, saddler ; J. Sankey, A. J. Dress, D. McFall, Felix Miller, 
James Black, shoemakers ; W. S. Sterrett and J. Laporte, wagon 
makers ; Jones & Son and D. Parker, blacksmiths ; R. M. Musser, 
tinware; George W. Daicy, cigar maker; Miss Sallie Crissman. 
milliner; Mrs. L. A. Shearer, millinery and dress goods; Jones, 
Allport & Co. and Matthew Johnson, agent, furniture; C. G. 
Hirlinger, clothing; Wm. H. Jones, and Jacob Meyers, butchers; 
Joseph Haines, photographer; E. Bolinger, tailor; Henry Jones, 
Wesley Johnson, and James Tissina, barbers; Jones, Allport & Co., 
and Hoover, Harris & Co., planing mills; Duncan, Hale & Co., 
flouring mill; M. Gowland, foundry; Hoyt & Co., tannery; D. W. 
Holt, Hoop, Irwin & Co., and John S. Gray, manufacturers and 
dealers in lumber ; J. IS". Casanova, Camjsbell & Bro.'s, Cuba Coal 
Co., Decatur and Laurel Run Coal Co., shippers of coal ; W. Jones, 
contractor and builder; J. H. Pierce, marble works; Bender & 
Beck, publishers Fhilipsburg Journal; C. A. Faulkner, and W. G. 
Meyer, livery stables. The landlords of the place are : Rob't Lloyd, 
"Lloyd House;" Jas. Passmore, "Passmore House;" C. A. Faulk- 
ner, " Potter House." The physicians are : Drs. T. B. Potter, J. H. 
Pierce, S. F. Lytic, J. C Richards, J. D. McGirk, and G. F. Hoop ;K 
E. C. Blackburn, dentist. The attorneys, John Mills Hale, and 
J. J. Lingle ; E. W. Halo,, insurance agent; H. Simler, freight 
agent Tyrone and Clearfield Railroad ; W. Adams, assistant agent ; 
Laura Crisman, ticket agent. The ministers are, Revs. CI ere and 
Pardoe, the former Episcopal, the latter Methodist, Rev. Thompson 
of Morrisdale, preaches each Sabbath for the Presbyterians. The 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 103 

I'hiivches are, Baptist, Catholic, jMctliodist, Ei)i.scoi)ul, and Union. 
Th(^ present bnrgoss is Jones Laporte ; justice of the peace Win. 
Kiddles; })ostniaster R. D. INIcKinney ; E. B. Bandford i)riiici])a! 
common schools. 

On the ;>Oih of June, 1876, an extensive and disastrous fire 
occurred in Philipsburg, destroying a large luimber of business 
houses on the north side of Presque Isle street. Ui)on the ground 
tiuis made vacant, buildings of a more extensive and substantial 
character than those burnt, are now being built. 

FINE GROVE MILLS. 

This village is located at the foot of Tussy mountain, on the 
dividing line between the waters that flow north and empty into the 
Bald Eagle creek, and tho.-c that run south and reach the Juniata 
river. 

The town owes its origin to Gen. Patton, who built Tussy furnace 
(now in ruins) at a very early date, probably not far from ISOO. 
About the same time a store Avas opened by Stephen Davis, and a 
grist mill built by Thomas Ferguson (owned now by Mr. Ard), who 
then owned a largo tract of land, including that on which the prin- 
cipal part of the village is situated. From this beginning the place 
gradually became a thriving community. 

Not far from the time the furnace was erected a "tavern" was 
opened by a Mr. Nicholas, it is said. The first school house vvas 
built in 1826, and the first church in 18o2. 

Among the first settlers in the neighborhood was Captain George 
Meek, great-grandfather of P. Gray Meek, Esq., editor of the Demo- 
eratie Watchman. Captain Meek was a revolutionary soldier, and 
lost three brothers in the service ; he was one of the earliest survey- 
ors of the county. 

The name of the village is said to have been derived from a pine 
grove that stood between the furnace and the miU. That portion of 
the town lying on the east side of tlie creek was laid out by Gen. 



194 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

Pattoi> several year.s after the furnace was built, and for many years 
called " Pattonville." 

. The place contains three churches— Methodist, Presbyterian, and 
one owned jointly by the German Reformed and Lutheran congre- 
gations ; several stores, Jas. Duulap & Co., and J. C. Sample, general 
merchandise; J. Rowe& Sons, stoves and tinware; Dr. J. R. Smith, 
drugs. The mechanics are J. G. Hess, coach maker ; S. Hays,, 
wagon maker ; Craig & Everts, blacksmiths ; John ShifFer, tailor ; 
Dean cfe Galloway, shoe makers; P. Wolf, tinner; A. Bucher, cabi- 
net maker ; George Eckel, harness maker. The professional men 
are J. R. Smith, and Geoi'ge Woods, physicians; A. J. Orndorf, 
dentist ; Revs. Linn, and Long, ministers, the former Methodist 
and latter Lutheran. J. Dunlap is postmaster, and A. J. Orndorf 
justice of the peace, and S. StefFy proprietor of the only hotel. 
The Odd Fellows have a lodge in the place in a flourishing con- 
dition. The Young Men's Christian Association hold regular 
meetings, and the Soldier's Club of Ferguson township have their 
headquarters here. 

Pine Grove Academy is an institution deserving of special men- 
tion. This institution traces its origin to a private school established 
in 1852, by Messrs. Thomas F. Patton, Wm. Burchfield and Wm. 
Murray, citizens of Pine Grove. Feeling the need of a higher school 
accessible to all, these gentlemen secured the services of Mr. Ward 
as principal, and in 1856 a site was purchased and a fine two-story 
building was erected soon after, JNIr. Ward, who remained two 
years, was succeeded by Mr. Campbell, who was jjrincipal one vear. 
Prof. J. E. Thomas, a stanch friend of the common schools, and 
the cause of education in general, succeeded Mr. Campbell, and 
remained in charge until his death in 1872. The jjroperty has been 
purchased by the I. O. O. F. of that section, and the school is still 
prospering under the present principal, Mr. Jacol) Rhone. The fol- 
lowing are the names of the present trustees : Dr. J. R. Smith, 
president; Cyrus Goss, secretary ; R. G. Brett, treasurer; J. Rhone, 
J. G. Carter, J. H. Markle, J. Keller, T. G. Archey, S. Walker, and 
H. A. Bathurst. 



^)F CENTRE COUNTY. lOr) 



POTTER'S MILLS. 



Tlie village of Potter's Mills (formerly known as Potter's Bank) 
is located at the foot of Tussy mountain in Penn's valley, on the 
Bellefonte and Lewistown turnpike. The location is healthful, 
j>leasant and romantic. Laurel run ]>assing through the town 
affords an excellent water power for nianuiacturing purj)oscs. The 
land upon which the town is built was owned by Gen. James Potter, 
who located there about the year 1770. i^oon after he erected a 
flouring mill and opened a store. The first hotel was kept by John 
Kerr. The first dwelling house (or cabin) was built near the 
residence of the late William Allison by General Potter. Among 
the prominent and active business men who have lived in this 
neighborhood were: General Potter, General James Irvin, William 
Allison and Dr. William I. Wilson, all of whom, except the latter, 
are now dead. The present business establishments of the place 
consist of a flouring mill, saw mill, woolen mill, store, two black- 
.sniith shops, tailor shop, cabinet shop, and millinery shop. There 
is also a hotel, a school house, and a post-office, and in all thirty-five 
or forty buildings and one hundred and thirty inhabitants. 

The Potter estate, consisting of a flouring mill, saw mill, store 
house, three dwelling houses, and one hundred acres of land, is now 
owned by Mr. W. J. Thompson. This property was purchased by 
General James Irvin in 1847 and sold by him to Moses Thompson 
in April 27, 1860, and by him sold to William Thompson, January 
8, 1861. By will of William Thompson it was conveyed to his sons 
W. J. and J. M. Thompson in 1871. 

It is difficult to ascertain the precise date of the construction of 
the original Potter mill. It is known, however, that it was not long 
after the place was first settled. This structure was built of logs, as 
was the ease with most primitive mills as well as dwellings, churches 
and school houses. It contained three run of burrs made of sand- 
stone found in the vicinity, for it was impossible at that early day 
to obtain, in such an out-of-the-way place, the kind of stone now in 
ordinary use. 

/ 



196 [NDITSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

The present flouring niill ^vas built in 1815 by Judge James 
Potter, .son of General Potter. It is a stone building and has also 
three run of burrs. In 1871 steam power was added. The saw 
mill was built by James and John Potter, sons of Judge Potter, in 
1844. Its capacity is two thousand feet per day. The lumber 
manufactured is all sold at the mill. 

It is not definitely known when the first store was opened, but, 
according to the best authority, it was in operation in 1809, under 
the firm name of Potter & Miles. Judge Potter built a store house 
in 1823, which was burned down in 1853 and rebuilt the following 
year by Gen. James Irvin. 

After coming into possession of the property, W. J. and J. M. 
Thompson added, by purchase, fourteen hundred acres of timber 
land lying in the immediate vicinity. 

PLEASANT GAP. 

The village of Pleasant Gap is situated on the north side of Nit- 
tany mountain, at the entrance of the gap through which the road 
from Bellefonte to Centre Plall passes. It is located principally 
upon land owned at one time by William Riddle. Settlements were 
made in the neighborhood as early, it is said, as 1770. About that 
time a man by the name of Treastcr cleared a few acres upon the 
farm now owned by Mrs. Speer of Bellefonte, formerly Miss Kate 
Larrimer. Another improvement was made by Hugh Conly on the 
farm now belonging to 8. T. Bhugart, Esq., of Bellefonte. Mr. 
Conly erected a "tavern" in 1782. It stood at the spring — the 
source of Logan's Branch of Spring creek. On the Shugart larm 
the chief Logan, it is said, had a camp, evidences of which existed 
when the white settlers first located in the neighborhood. 

The Indians also had a bu.ryiug ground on what is now the i'arni 
of J. G. Larrimer. Through this farm the <)ld bridle path from 
Philadelphia passed. At some })oints it may be seen to this day. 

A grist mill was built in 1830 by Martin Meese, Sr., on tlie 
property now owned by Christian Dale. 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 197 

The early settlers of this section of the county were the Buirds, 
Meeses, Furys, Swaneys, Riddles, and John Moore. 

When the post-ofRce was established at this place, in 1845, the 
name "Pleasant Gap" was selected and applied to it by Mr. Wni. 
Kiddle. The first church was built in 1859 by the Methodists. 
The Lutheran church was erected in 1869. The first store was 
opened by Matthew Riddle in 1846, near the site of the store now 
kept by H. Barnes; it was burnt in 1875. A blacksmith shop was 
started many years ago by John Mallory. It is now conducted by 
John A. Griffith. In March, 1874, Gottlieb Haiig built a distillery 
in the place, which he now oi)erates in connection with the " Pleas- 
ant Gap House." A hotel was built by Wm. Riddle in 1858. It 
was conducted from 1855 to 1861 by J. R. Larrimer. 

The only physician of the place is Dr. Chas. B. Lietzell ; Henry 
Eckenroth is justice of the peace, and A. V. Miller U. S. store- 
keeper and guager ; Rob't Barnes, harness maker ; and Jno. Swarm, 
wagon maker. 

In 1831 Thomas Harrison laid out an "addition" to Pleasant 
Gap, on the north side, and called it " Harrisonville;" it contains 
fifteen or twenty dw-ellings and a school house. 

PORT MATILDA. 

Port Matilda is located on the Bald Eagle valley railroad, four- 
teen miles from Tyrone, and nineteen from Bellefonte, and has a 
population of about two hundred. The village was laid out in 1841 
by Clement Beck with, who owned the land on which it is situated. 
The first store was opened by Mr. Beckwith, and the first hotel by 
John Fugate ; the first blacksmith shop by John Gilmer ; the grist 
mill was built by Humes, Beckwitli & Humes. Thomas Weston 
built a tannery about 1864, which was l)urut in the spring of 1875, 
and rebuilt the same year. It is now owned by J. G. L. Meyers. 
There was no school house in the place previous to 1860. The 
first church was built in 1869 by the Presbyterians. It is located 



198 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS ^ 

about one-fourth of a mile east of the village. The Methodist 
church was built in 1865. 

The village was named ^in honor of Mr. Beckwith's eldest daugh- 
ter, Matilda, now Mrs. Richards of Philipsburg. The business of 
the place is conducted princi])ally by Messrs. Hoover & Reese, pro- 
prietors of planing mill, saw mill, flouring mill, and store. Another 
store is kept by I. V. Gray. There are two blacksmiths, J. Way 
and H. H. Ostman ; one wagon maker, James Marks, and one shoe- 
maker, J. G. Jones, who is also confectioner and one of the justices 
of the peace — the other being Thomas AVeston. The physicians are 
J. G. L. Meyer and Thomas Bulick. The only hotel is kept by 
Mrs. Hasson. The large flouring mill is in operation with A. Y. 
Williams as miller. 

REBERSBURG. 

Rebersburg is the principal town in Brush valley, and was laid 
out in 1809 by Conrad Reber. The land was originally owned by 
Col. Samuel Miles, who, it is said, purchased the entire tract con- 
tained in the valley, from the east end to the line of Gregg township, 
for five hundred dollars. His survey was made in 1773. On the 
5th of October, 1785, the tract was transferred by Miles to Christian 
Waltsmith, and by Waltsmith deeded to Stephen Bolander, Decem- 
ber 1, 1791. 

On the 20th day of May, 1796, Bolander conveyed to John Buch- 
tel and Jacob Walter a lot for the use of the united Lutheran and 
German Reformed congregations of Brush valley, " as a building 
site for a church, and a school house, and for a burying ground." 
A few years later Bolander sold his whole tract, or at least that 
portion on which the town was laid out, to Conrad Reber, who, by 
deed dated 1806, granted to Francis Gramly and Jacob Walter 
another lot adjoining the one given by Bolander, and for the same 
purposes. These lots were owned and occupied jointly by the two 
congregations till 1876, when each denomination resolved to have a 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 199 

church of its own, and accordingly tlie one in which thvy had been 
worshipping for so many years together, was torn down and two 
new ones built. The first church occupied by the two congregations 
was of logs and built previous to 1800. In 1822 it gave way to the 
brick church, recently removed. A school house, it is said, was 
built about the time the first church was, and of the same material. 
It contained two rooms — one foi- the school, and one for the use of 
the teacher. 

A few years a-fter Rebcr laid out his town plot, an addition was 
made on the east side by Henry Walborn and called Henrysburg. 

Among the first settlers in the village was Daniel Winter, a tailor, 
Henry Smull, the Reitzels, and Frankenl)ergers, Philip Gramly, a 
blacksmith, father of Samuel Grandy. Of the early settlers of the 
surrounding country, and Brush valley generally, the following arc 
remembered by many persons now living: The Hesses, located on 
land now belonging to Levi Snook, a Mr. Moore, located on the 
farm now owned by Jacob Brumgart, Jeremiah Haines and others, 
and Anthony Bierly, Frantz Gramly, a Mr. Spangler, and Mr. 
Brumgart with his sons George, Jacob and Martin, and Henry 
Meyer, in 1797; the Royers, Bears, Cormans, Kreamers, Wolfe's 
and Wolfarts. 

Before Brush valley was settled it used to be frequently visited 
by hunters from Penn's valley, who had their camp on Elk creek, 
near the present home of Henry Meyer. On a certain occasion two 
men were camping at this place, and separated one afternoon to 
hunt, with the understanding that they were to meet at the camp at 
nightfall — one of them returned but the other was never heard from. 
Many years after, a skeleton was found about a mile west of Rebers- 
burg, at the foot of a tree, against which a gun was standing, the 
end of the barrel having worn a groove in the bark. It was sup- 
posed that the remains found were those of the lost hunter, who, no 
doubt, becoming fatigued and bewildered in trying to find his way 
hack to the camp, sat down and froze to death. This camp occupied 
the site of an old Indian camp. Many evidences of its existence 
are found even to this day, such as arrow-heads, &c. 



200 [NDUSTRIES AND INSTITtlTIONS 

The first store in Rebersburg was kept by Jacob Bolander for 
Lyons Mussina, then living in Aaronsburg. Previous to 1812 a 
Mr. Heilman had a tanyard in the place. 

The first physician was Dr. Samuel Strohecker, who was a sou of 
Daniel Strohecker, and born near Reading, in Berks county, March 
5, 1799. His parents moved to Union county in 1816, where he 
studied medicine with Dr. Joice of Lewisburg. He located in 
Rebersburg in 1825, and for a period of forty-one years practiced 
his profession in Brush and adjoining valleys. During that time he 
was elected to the State Legislature three successive terms, and 
filled the office of associate judge fifteen years, one term by appoint- 
ment and two by election. He was twice married — first to Miss 
Mary Ann Meese of Aaronsburg, and after her death to Mrs. Jane 
Hunter of Hai'risburg. He died of appoplexy, August 26, 1869. 
He w'as succeeded by his son-in-law. Dr. D. J. Hillbish, who had 
been in partnership with him for a number of years ; he now being 
the only physician in Brush valley. 

The town has four churches : United Brethren, Evangelical, Lu- 
theran, and German Reformed ; two stores ; a hotel, J. E. Roush 
proprietor ; a tannery ; three blacksmith shops ; one wagon shop ; 
one tailor shop, and three shoe shops. Rebersburg has produced 
quite a number of school teachers. Among those now engaged in 
the profession are C. L. Gramly, J. R. Brumgart, and C. O. Mallory. 
Superintendent Meyer is, as was also Superintendent Magee, a resi- 
dent of the place. Population about two hundred. 

SPUING MILLS. 

At this place there is a large volume of water issuing from sub- 
terranean depths so great that no bottom, it is said, has yet been 
found. Just below this spring a small log mill was constructed at 
an early day, probably before 1800, by whom it is not definitely 
known. In the course of a few years it was removed and a much 
larger one built in its {)lace by a Mr. Cook. In 1820 the present 
brick structui'e was erected by James Duncan, Esq., near tlie site 



OV CKNTRE COXJNTY 



^01 



occupied by the Cook mill, which wus torn down in 1842. This 
mill is now owned by R. H. Dunctm, Esq. 

The first store of the neighborhood was kept by Thonras Huston, 
previous to 1820, He was succeeded by Thomas Duncan, son oi' 
James Duncan. As early as 1800 a tavern was kept by a Mrs. 
Allison. The first school house, a mere cabin, sto(Hl just above 
the dam. 

There are two churches in the place: Methodist, built in 1836 or 
'37, and Presbyterian, built soon after 1840; three stores, I. J. 
Grenoble's, and G. H. Hassenjjlug's, general merchandise, and Hicks 
Bro.'s, hardware ; one hotel, Geo. C. Breon proprietor ; two physi- 
cians, Drs. Leitzel, and Vanvalzah ; Henry Krumrine is a tanner 
and coal dealer; and W. A. Kerlin miller. 

About a mile east of Spring Mills is a collection of a dozen or so 
houses called " Penn Hall." At this place there is a Lutheran 
church, a store kept by IMajor J. B. Fisher, and several shops, and 
also a flourishing academy, established in 1866, by Rev. D. M. 
Wolf, by whom it is now conducted. Since the organization of this 
school the average attendance of pupils for each term has been 
about fifty. In addition to its founder the following gentlemen 
have taught at this academy : W. H. Gutelius, J. I. Kossiter, A. E. 
Trunxal, W. C. ShaefFer, J. B. Kershner, and G. D. Gurley. 

STOBMSTOWN. 

In 1784 Abram Elder settled on the farm now owned by John 
A. Hunter, Esq., and soon after built a dislillei-y and a tavern, the 
first iu the vicinity. Adjoining Mr. Elder's farm, Jacob Storm 
purchased a tract, and about the year 1800 laid out a village, giving 
it the name of " Stormstown." For a nundoer of years the place 
was a prominent business centre for a large section of country and 
continued so till the com])letion of the Bald Eagle Valley Railroad. 

Among the early settlers of the neighborhood were Peter Gray 
and John Thompson. The latter was the father of the late Sheriff 
Thompson and grandfather of A. J. Tht)m])S()n who now lives on 



202 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

the old homestead. It is worthy ol' remark tliat four sons of Sheriff 
Thompson are professional men. 

A short distance below Stormsto\vn on Half Moon run a settle- 
ment of Quakers was formed at a very early time. They were the 
Wilsons, Ways, Spencers, Downings, and others. They built the 
lirst house of worship in that portion of the county. 

John G. Hartswick was an early settler of the village. At the 
time he located, there were but three dwellings in the place. His 
father was a Prussian, educated in Berlin, and came to this country 
in 1789. He made the first electrit; aparatus used by Franklin, it 
is said. Dr. Engles was one of the first physicians. After him 
came Dr. McKee. The fii'st store, or one of the earliest, was kept 
by William Smith. 

The place is located on Half Moon run, which flows into Spruce 
creek, in Half Moon township. The name of the stream and the 
township is derived from the fact of characters resembling a half 
moon ill shape being cut on trees by the Indians. When the locality 
was first visited by the whites these marks were plainly discernable, 
and, it is said, indicated the phase of the moon at the time they were 
made, and served as a guide to their brethren traveling the same 
route. ' 

8N0W ^HOE. 

The first settlers of the Snow Shoe region were : Samuel Askey, 
John Beightol, and John Holt, father of J. H. and William Holt, 
now living in the vicinity. Askey and Beightol located in 1818 
and William Holt early in 1821. Subsequently others settled in 
the neighborhood, and after the completion of the Bellefonte & 
Show Shoe Railroad the village of Snow Shoe sprang up. The 
opening'of the coal mines by the railroad company gave employ- 
ment to quite a large number of men, and, as a consequence, a 
considerable village was built which has since been gradually 
increasing in size and importance. It now contains several churches 
and a nund)er of business places, shops, &c. 



t>F CENTRE COITNTY. ^O^^ 

Show 81u)o occupies u })l('asant and attractive location on the 
western slope of the Allegheny mountain. The place is said to have 
derived " its name from tlu> a<lventure of a party of wliitc hunt( rs, 
who, manv vears ago, when out on the old Chinklacanioose trail to 
Clearfield, were evertaken by a snow storm, waited until their 
provision;^ were exhausted, and then made snow shoes and vralked 
into the Bald Eagle settlem 41!." The Snow Shoe House, built by 
the railroad company, is a hue hotel, and well adtipted to the wants 
of summer boarde 's It is now conducted by Mr. Edward Nolaiu 
As a summer resort Snow Shoe has few equals in the State Ibr 
h -althfuln(>ss of climate, purity and coldness of water, and beauty 
of surrounding scenery. 

UNIONVILLE. 

The land on which the princi[)al part of the borough of Union- 
ville is located is part of two tracts, one granted by Patent dated 
April 2, 1794, to James Johnston, the other surveyed to him No- 
vember, 180->, in pursuance of warrant dated August 29, 1793. 
These tracts were both conveyed by Johnston to Andrew Boggs by 
deed dated February 11, 1807, and by Boggs transferred to John 
Dunlop by deed dated Septendicr 13,1808; John Dunlop sold to 
James Dunlop, September, 24, 1813. By will of James Dunlop, 
dated July 24, 1817, the property came into the possession of his 
daughter, Jane Paxton; by deed of Jane Paxton, and her husband, 
William Paxton, dated January 31, 1843, it was conveyed to Zeph- 
aniah Underwood, who laid out the town about 1848. About the 
same time lots were surveyed and sold by Jac(J_i Peters, who owned 
the land above the Union cliurcii. This tract he had ])urchased of 
Judge Thomas Burnside. 

The village is beautifully situated in th(> picturesque valley of the 
Bald Eagle, which stream flows along its southeast border. The 
mountains, at this point, are of less hight than further down the 
valley, but they possess all the lieauty elsewhere displayed. 

The streets of Unionvillc cross at right angles, and are named 



204 INDUSTRIES AKD INSTITUTIONS 

Allegheny, Main, Chestnut, Walnut, Union, Centre, Apple, and 
Race. Owing to the fact that there was another " Union ville" in 
the State, when this place was named, it was necessary to apply 
another name to the post-office in order to avoid confusion, so the 
name " Fleming " was given in honor of Judge Fleming. 

The first church was built of logs, as was also the original school 
house, which stood near the church. For many years these humble 
structures served the purposes for which they were built just as well 
as do the more pretentious edifices of modern times. 

The first dwelling that was built after the town was laid out is 
the one owned and occupied by L. C. Peters. At about the same 
time a blacksmith shop was built adjoining the house. The first 
hotel of the place was built by William N. Mason in 1849. In 1850 
it fell into the possession of Underwood, Kirk & Co. Soon after 
they sold it to Jason Kirk, Sr. In January, 1867, Mrs. Mary K. 
Taylor purchased the property, it still being in the possession of her 
heirs. Until 1872, with the exception of a few years, the house was 
licensed to sell liquor, since which time it has been conducted as a 
temperance hotel. 

The first store was started by the Rev. Cyrus Jeifries about the 
year 1847. In 1849 or '50 he sold out to W. H. Smith. The store 
stood near the site of the one now occupied by A. T. Leathers & 
Co. Smith sold out to W. & J. Underwood, who moved the stock 
to a building which stood near or upon the site of the residence of 
Jesse Cleaver. After doing business there a few years they removed 
to the corner now occupied by the store of A. J. & T- E. Griest. 
The firm was afterwards changed to Underwood & Kirk, then to 
Underwood, Kirk & Co., then to Hicklin, Kirk & Co., then it 
became Hicklins & Co., then B. Rich & Co., then B. Rich, and in 
1869 Griest & Rumberger, then finally A. J. & T. E. Griest, the 
present proprietors. The establishment is now what might be 
considered a first-class country store, being stocked with the usual 
variety required by the demands of a rural trade. 

Another store was started near where the first one stood about the 
year 1850, by Risley & Walter. They were sold out by the sherifi^ 



1 



OF CENTRE COUNTY, 205 

ill the course of a year or .so. The building was next oeeu])ie<1, in 
ahout ISoi), by Williams & Bing. The firm soon became Bing ct 
Bush, who sold out to Rich & Griest, the stock being removed to 
another building. The store was then vacant for some time. Then 
S. H. Brown filled it up with goods, but in a short time was suc- 
ceeded by Wertimer Brothers, who Avere followed by J. & G. Alex- 
ander, and they by Leathers & Buck in 1874. In the spring of 
1877 the firm became A. T. Leathers & Co. The establishment is 
now in all respects a well conducted store. 

The manufacturing establishments of Unionville worthy of special 
note, are the Unionville flouring mill, and Buck's tannery. The 
mill is located on the Bald Eagle creek. It was built by Jesse and 
William LTnderwood about thirty years ago and purchased by the 
present owner, W. D. Smith, in 18GG, of Joseph Underwood, son of 
one of the original jn'oprietors. The mill has four run of stone and 
manufactures a first-class cjuality of flcur for home trade and for 
shipment. The power afforded by the creek is sufficient to run the 
mill all the year round. There are quite a number of vacant lots 
connected with the mill and owned by Mr. Smith. The tannery 
was built by Samuel and Noah McKean. The power was originally 
water, su]>plied by Dewitt's Run. Afterward J. Kirk was taken in 
as partner, when the establishment was enlarged and improved, 
steam power being added. About fifteen years ago the works were 
purchased by the present owner, C. Buck. 

The village was incorporated as a borough May 12, 1859. The 
first burgess was Thomas Parsons. That office at present is held by 
Dr. E. A. Russell. The present justices of the peace are Benjamin 
Rich and William H. Smith. There are three physicians in the 
place, Drs. E. A. Russell, J. M. Blair and C. H. Cambridge. Dr. 
Russell commenced practice here in 1870. He is a graduate of the 
University of Pennsylvania. Previous to coming here he had been 
several years in charge of the alms house, and also city physician 
of AVheeling, West Virginia. Dr. Blair located here about twenty 
.years ago. He is also a graduate of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania. Dr. Cambridge graduated in the spring of 1877 at the New 



206 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

York University, und soon after entered into partnership with Dr. 
Blair. 

The only resident preacher of Unionville is the Kev. J. V. R. 
Hughes, brother of the Rev. J. P. Hughes, principal of Bellefonte 
Academy. He located here in 1873 and took charge of the Presby- 
terian congregation. He preaches every alternate Sunday in 
Unionville and in Port Matilda. The Sunday that he preaches in 
Unionville he also preaches at Buffalo Run. Besides the Presby- 
terian church there are three others in the place — Methodist, 
Quaker, and Union. The Baptists worship in the latter building. 

There is a good graded public school building in the place, on the 
site of the original log structure. 

The place has one dentist, W. C. Vanvalin ; three blacksmith 
shops, kept by D. Hale, W. F. Peters, and J. C. Jones ; one wagon 
shop, W. S. Cadwallader, proprietor ; one saddler shop, owned by 
John Conley ; one shoe shop, by A. J. St. Clare. 

The borough of Unionville is the outgrowth of the lumber busi- 
ness; the point at which it is located being originally the centre of 
a heavily timbered region. Though the manufacture of lumber in 
its vicinity has been nearly abandoned, there is still quite a consid- 
erable business done in the shipment of bark and charcoal from the 
station at this place. 

Unionville is about twenty-five miles from Tyrone and eight from 
Bellefonte. It lies at an elevation of about seven hundred and sixty 
feet above the sea, and is a beautiful and healthful location. 

The general appearance of the village indicates intelligence, pros- 
perity, and refined tastes on the part of its people. The town itself 
is not the only attractive feature of the neighborhood. Its sur- 
roundings present many beauties of scenery to the view ; and then 
the farms in the vicinity, with their improvements, and various 
attractions, are much to be admired ; none more so, however, than 
the property of W. P. Fisher, known as the " Bald Eagle Nurseries." 
Mr. Fisher, the pro})rietor, was born three miles east of his present 
property, in 1818. For a number of years he was engaged in the 
nursery business on his father's farm. In 1848 he purchased the 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 207 

fhrni he now oeeiipief;, which is hx'atod about one-fourth of a niik' 
cast of Unionville. He has five acres devoted to nursery i)urposes, 
one hundred acres in orchard, mostly apples. He produces for 
market, each season, a large stock of fruit, ornamental trees, &c. 

Mr. Samuel Brugger, well known in this section of the State as a 
civil engineer, has'a fine farm near th(> village. Mr. Brugger spares 
no labor or expense to make his home pleasant and attractive. 

The Underwood estate, lying north of the village on the turnpike, 
is a fine property; it is a part of the original Underwood purchase, 
and has remained in the family ever since. 

The residence of Mr. Jesse Cleaver deserves especial notice as 
having been the home of William Underwood, who at one time was 
the leading spirit of Unionville, and did more, probably, than any 
other five persons, to advance its growth and prosperity. Though 
his father, Zephaniah Underwood, projected the town, and probably 
laid out and sold a number of lots, the main credit of bidldlnfj the 
place is due to William and his brother Jesse. They are spoken 
of as enterprising and energetic citizens. William, especially, was 
always first and foremost in advocating and aiding in improvements 
— public and private. He is said to be now living in Elizabeth City, 
X.C. Jesse, recently died very suddenly of heart disease. 

It is worthy of mention that the vicinity of Unionville has a 
citizen, in the person of Mr. Robert Hall, who is just as old as 
Centre county, having been l)orn in 1800, the year it was organized. 
He is also one of the oldest, if not the oldest, resident of the county 
who was born in Bellefonte. An(jther worthy citizen of Unionville, 
W. H. Smith, Esq., can boast of assisting in the building of the 
first house erected in the village, and also of aiding in the construc- 
tion of at least two-thirds of those subsequently built. 

In conclusion, it is but justice to say that Unionville, with its 
pleasant homes, with their tasteful yards, its well attended churches^ 
its first-class public schools, its peaceful and law-abiding citizens, its 
high state of morals — no liquor being sold within its limits — must 
essentially be a desirable place of residence, and such it certainly is. 



208 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 



WOODWARD. 



The village of Woodward is pleasantly located in the east end of 
Penn's valley, in the township of Haines, on Pine creek, one of the 
tributaries of Penn's creek. The first settlement in its vicinity was 
made soon after the Revolution by John Motz, who built a grist 
mill and a tavern at the place previ()us to 1800. He was succeeded 
in the possession of the property by his son John, who in turn was 
followed by his son John C. Motz, the present ow uer of the principal 
part of the ]\[otz estate. 

The first post-office established at the place was called " Liberty 
Mills," the name applied to the Motz mills. The present mill, 
which is one of the finest in the county, was built in 1832 bv John 
Motz, Jr., and occupies the site of the original log structure. The 
first name applied to the locality was Motz's Bank. The only hotel 
in the place was built by ]Mrs. John Motz in 1814, after the death 
of her husband. 

The village was laid out during the Taylor presidential campaign, 
and named Taylorsville in honor of the successful candidate. Lib- 
erty Mills post-office was closed in a few years after it was 
established, and the place was without postal privileges for some 
time, but finally, through the efforts of Judge Woodward, an office 
was again opened and called " Woodward." The village now 
contains one church — Evangelical — one stc^re kept by G. R. Spigel- 
meyer, a distillery conducted by David Fease & Co., a tailor shop, 
shoe shop and a blacksmith shoj). 

John C. Motz, the principal business man of Woodward, deserves 
something more than a mere mention. He is a son of John Motz, 
Jr., and was born on the old homestead, June 22, 1832. He 
received his education mainly at Mifflinburg Academy. In 1852 he 
engaged in the mercantile business at his native village and 
continued about fifteen years, during which time he also conductccl 
a flouring mill and a distillery, and in the meantime had purchased 
the interests of the other Motz heirs and taken possession of the 
estate. His health failing, in 1867 he retired from business and 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 209 

made a trip to the Rocky iiiouutains, and on liis return with 
restored health, he again became actively engaged in various enter- 
prises. In 1878, in comjiany with John Keen and Elias Krramer, 
he established a banking house at Millheim, which is now in success- 
ful operation. — [See article, '' Bankhig Institutions. 

In connection with fanning, Mr. Motz is at present extensively 
engaged in the manufacture of lumber, in the manufacture and sale 
of flour, in dealing in grain, coal, plaster, salt, &c. During the 
present season he shipped the first car load of grain that ever passed 
over the L. C. & 8. C. Railroad from Penn's valley. 

He is one of the largest stockholders of the Bellcfonte, Aarons- 
burg and Youngmanstown turnpike company, and during his con- 
nection with that corporation has been actively devoted to its 
interests, as he has always been to the interests of every enter- 
prise in which has been engaged. Mr. Motz's mother is still 
living at Woodward in the seventy-eighth year of her age. At 
this point it is proper to state that he has three sisters, now living, 
but no brother. One sister is Mi-. Lydia Gutelius of Mifflinburg, 
Union county. She is said to have been a very active business 
woman in younger life. At one time she nuide a trip to Denver, 
Colorado, a great part of the distance by wagon, and engaged 
extensively and successfully in the real estate business, in that city. 
Another sister is married to Dr. NefF of Centre Hall, and one to 
Rev. Dr. Weaver of New Albany, Indiana. 

ZION. 

This village is in Walker township, about five miles from Belle- 
fonte. It derived its name from Zion church, Avhich was built by 
the Lutheran and German Reformed denominations in 1844, within 
the present limits of the place. The land on the south side of the 
street was originally owned by Jacob Struble, who, with his brothers, 
Daniel and Conrad, came from Union county, and located in the 
vicinity many years ago. Struble sold to Jackson Clevtrstine, who 
laid out, and commenced selling lots about the year 1852. The first 



210 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

house built upon the site of the village was erected by Jacob Pif'er 
in 1840; it is the one now owned and occupied by David Solt, 
The north side of the street was formerly owned by Samuel F. 
Rodman. In 1847 he started a blacksmith shop, on the lot now 
owned by John Royer, and in the following year opened a store, the 
first in the neighborhood. The Evangelical chundi was built in 
1859. Besides Rodman, the earliest settlers of the village were : 
the Womers, Cleverstines, and Friedleys, Those of the vicinity 
were : Thomas McKean, George Shaffer, the Strubles, Thos. Lesh, 
and Thomas McCalmot ; Wni. McKean settled three miles further 
down the valley. Of the present population of the place, Thomas 
McKean might be mentioned as a prominent and much respected 
citizen. He sei'\'ed for many years as justice of the peace, and 
descended from a distinguished Scotch family, of which he is the 
oldest living representative, and the oldest citizen of the village, 
being in his seventy-sixth year. 

The town has but one store, that of David Solt ; two blacksmiths, 
S. F. Hockman, and Jacob' Stiue; two shoemakers, John Baney, 
and Sam'l Dornian ; one cabinet maker, John Royer ; and a wagon 
shop, conducted by Twitmyer Bro.'s ; P. S. Fisher, jihysician. 

SMALLER VILLA GE8. 

Julian Furnace is a station on the Bald Eagle Valley Railroad, 
twenty-one miles from Tyrone and twelve from Bellefbnte. It owes 
its origin to tKe location on its site, many years ago, of a furnace 
with the al;>ove name. This place has been, for a nunil)er of years, 
an important shipping point for lumber, charcoal, &c. 

Jacksonville is located in Nittany valley, about ten miles from 
Bellefonte and two from Howard. At one time it had a flourishing 
seminary. It has one store, several shops, and two churches. The 
post-office is called " Wajker," 

Moshannon is a .small village of twenty-tive or thirty houses, a 
short distance west of Snow Shoe. 

Gatesburg, Rock Spring, and Pennsylvania Furnace are snuiU 



<t)F CIEKTKE COUNTY. 211 

Villages in Ferguson to\viislu|), near the soiitliern bDiiiulary of the 
rounty. 

Loveville is Jii Half M(H)n township, a few miles south of 
Stormstown. 

Pine Glen is ii few miles uoilhwest of Snow Shoe, in Burnside 
township. 

Wolf's Store is a collection of a dozen or so houses, in Miles 
township, five or six miles east of Reber^burg. 

Centre Hill is ou the old turnpike between Potter's Mills and 
Centre Hall. 

ISIartha and Hannali Furnaces are stations on the Bald Fagle 
Valley Railroad ; the former in Huston township and the latter in 
Taylor. 

Nittany post-office is on Fishing creek, iu Walker township, a 
mile or so from the Clinton county line. Snydertown is a little 
further west. 

Fillmore is on Buffalo run in Benner township, about six miles 
southwest of Bellefonte. 

Houserville is in Harris townsliip, on Spring creek, seven or eight 
miles south of Bellefonte, 

Powelton and Sandy Ridge are small villages in Rush township, 
on the Tyrone and Clearfield Railroad. 

At the State College there is a village containing a dozen or two 
dwellings, store, &c. 

Coleville is about a mile west of Bellefonte, and has thirty or 
forty dwellings. 

Mountiiin Eagle is a small village on the Bald Eagle Valley 
Railroad, betwexMi Milesburg and Howard, in Howard township. 



212 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 



AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIONS. 



Srjps^VER since the first settlement was made in Centre county 
^a| agriculture has claimed the attention of a very large propor- 
^^M^ tion of its inhabitants. Trego, in his geography of the State, 
published many years ago, says: "The soil of the county is various. 
In some of the valleys it may be safely classed among the best in 
the State, and is highly productive if well cultivated. This is the 
case especially in Nittany and Penn's valleys, which form the finest 
agricultural districts. Other parts of the county are, perhaps, 
equally productive," 

General Potter seems to have been the principal cultivator of the 
soil in early times. He had extensive tracts of land in Penn's 
valley and gave especial attention to its improvement. At one time 
he was in possession of nine thousand acres. The first assessment 
lists of Potter township show that James Potter, Esq., son of Gen, 
Potter, kept several teams of horses and oxen, and had quite a 
number of cows for those times. And a few years later, in connec- 
tion with his brother John, he had still more live stock, including 
six mules and a blooded horse valued at $300. In 1880 they had a 
clover mill in operation. 

The assessed value of a yoke of oxen forty-five years ago was $50. 
The valuation of other live stock was in about the same proportion, 
horses perhaps being higher in price, according to the valuation of 
other property, than they are now. No sheep appear to have been 
kept by the early farmers, owing, of course, to the difficulty in 
protecting them from the ravages of the wild animals and dogs. 



OF CKM'mO COUNTY. 213 

The agriculuiral iiiipl('iucul.s then used were of a verv sini])le 
kind, as compared with those employed at the present time, and the 
work of tilling the oroiind was correspondingly laborious. Grain 
was then cut with a sickle, threshed with a flail, and ground in a mill 
of the simplest construction. The principal crojs then raised were, 
wheat, corn, rye, potatoes, and grass. iVfter clearing a tract of 
land, the first crop was usually wheat, which was generally fol- 
lowed by rye — in some instances, several crops in succession. This 
latter grain was the principal production of the farms for many 
years. Not because the soil was better ada})ted to its cultivation 
than it was to that of wheat, or that it was preferred as an article 
of food, but because of the better facilities for converting it into 
money. The wheat had to be hauled a great distance to market in 
wagons over rough roads, while the rye was manufactured into 
whiskey, which, being of a much smaller com})ass than the grain 
itself, could be transported to any point desired, with comparativelv 
little expense. As may be supposed, distilleries were verv common 
in early times — nearly every community having one. 

With the establishment of iron works in the county, ( which cre- 
ated a home market for all kinds of farm produce,) and the introduc- 
tion of improved facilities for transportation, the production of wheat 
increased, and the production of rye correspondingly diminished. 
As late, however, as 1840 the ci-op of rye exceeded that of wheat 
one hundred and six thousand six hundred and twenty-four bushels; 
there being raised that year one hundred and forty-one thousand and 
forty-five bushels of the former, and thirty -four thousand four hun- 
dred and twenty-one bushels of the latter.. But in 1850 the wheat 
crop amounted to four hundred and thirty-three thousand six hun- 
dred and twelve bushels, while the production of rye had diminished 
to one hundred and nine thousand and fifty-one bushels, making an 
increase in the production of wheat of three hundred and ninety- 
nine thousand one hundred and ninety-one bushels, and a decrease 
of rye of thirty-one thousand nine hundred and ninety-four bushels. 
In 1870 the wheat raised exceeded four hundred and seventy-five 
thousand bushels, while the rye crop reached only sixty-three 



214 INDTTSTRTES AND INSTITUTIONS 

thousand one hundred and eight bushels. The surplus of Centre 
county \vheat is siiipped to various markets, Avhere it commands a 
ready sale and good prices, it having the reputation of being of line 
quality. But little spring wheat is produced in the county. In 
1870 it amounted to only one hundred and ten bushels. 

For many years corn has been a leading, if not the leading 
agricultural product of the county. As early as 1840 there wert^ 
raised two hundred and four thousand one hundred and twenty-two 
bushels. In 1850 it had increased to three hundred and sixteen 
thousand one hundred and twelve bushels, and in 1870 to the vast 
amount of one million forty-four thousand seven hundred and sixty 
bushels! Of this large production, the principal part isfed to live 
stock kept by the farmers. 

In 1840 there wei-e one hundred and fourteen bushels of oats 
raised, and in 1870 three hundred and eighty-nine thousand six 
hundred and twenty-eight bushels. Buckwheat has averaged a 
little over eight thousand bushels per year during the past thirty 
years. Twenty-seven years ago the county produced six thousand 
one hundred and seventeen bushels of cloverseed, in 1870 nine 
thousand eight hundred and forty-nine bushels. 

A large portion of the land in the county seems to be adapted to 
the growth of potatoes, which have, ever since the settlement of this 
region, been a most important production. As to quality, they are 
much superior to those raised in the river valleys. Forty years ago 
the annual yield amounted to more than one hundred thousand 
bushels. In 1870 it was one hundred and seventeen thousand four 
hundred and three bushels. In 1840 there were eleven thousand 
two hundred and seventy-three tons of hay produced, in 1850 
eighteen thousand five hundred and thirty, and in 1870 twenty-seven 
thousand seven hundred and twenty-five tons. 

Much attention has been given for many years to the raising of 
live stock. The early assessments show that nearly every family 
liad one or more cows, and many of them teams of either horses or 
oxen. Considerable pains appear to have been taken at quite an 
early day to improve the blood of both horses and cattle, and at the 



I 



OF c;kntkk county. 215 

present time nuiy he seen in various parts of the county some as fine 
horses as the State produces. And several choice breeds of cattle 
have been introduced by the formers of late, with decidedly bene- 
ficial results, both as to the production of beef and butter. Derhams 
and Alderneys are believed by many stock growers of the county to 
be the most profitable of the improved breeds. 

Until within twenty-five years very few of the farmers stall-fed 
cattle for beef, but of late years the practice has become quite com- 
mon, and large numbers, each winter, are now fattened for the 
spring market. Aside from tliose that are fiittened and slaughtered 
for the home trade, a great many are purchased every season by 
dealers and driven out of the county. 

Although Centre has not generally been looked upon as a dairy 
county, there were, in 1870, five hundred and twenty-one thousand 
and ninety pounds of butter produced. Thus far the attention of 
the farmers has not been turned to the manufacture of cheese, there 
having been but very few hundred pounds ever made in the county. 
A large portion of the products of the dairy is consumed in the 
fattening of hogs, which is by no means a small item in the agricul- 
tural interests of the county. The amount of pork now fattened is 
less, however, than it was twenty-five years ago. Statistics show the 
number of hogs fattened in the county in 1850, to have been over 
twenty thousand ; in 1870 there were less than sixteen thousand. 
This decrease is owing, no doubt, to the fact that more attention is 
now being given to other and more profitable branches of husbandry. 

For many years after the county was settled it was impossible for 
the farmers to successfully raise sheep on account of their destruc- 
tion by wild animals and dogs. Though the wild animals have 
disappeared, and the sheep-fold is no longer in danger of their 
attacks, the dogs are about as much to be feared as ever, and each 
season brings its record of sheep killed by them. During the past 
forty years the number of sheej:) kept in the county has averaged 
about seventeen thousand, whereas, were it not for the great risk of 
them being killed by worthless dogs, the amount would probably 
reach several times that number. 



216 INDlSTmKS AND I XHTITITK )X.S 

According to the census of 1870 tlicre were then one hundred and 
fifty-two thousand three hundred and thirty-eight acres of improved 
land in the county divided into one thousand seven hundred and 
ninety farms, of wliicli seven hundred and seven contained over one 
hundred acres. The soil of the valleys is especially adapted to the 
production of corn, wheat, and clover. The soil of the mountain 
table lands (of which there are thousands of acres in the county) is 
generally sandy, and in some instances intermixed with red shale, 
and where cultivated, which it is in many places, produces good 
crops of clover and corn, though the lia1)ility to early frosts renders 
the latter cro|i ]-atlicr uncertain. As this hind produces good pas- 
tui-age, and is generally well supi)lied with pure, free-stone water, it 
could be made valuable for grazing purposes. In many instances 
farms hav(! been cleared and cultivated for years in the county at 
elevations varying from one thousand to fifteen hundred feet above 
the level of the sea. 

Though there is much land in the county suitable for the growth 
of tobacco, there had never been any considerable attempt made to 
raise it until the season of 1877 when two gentlemen, J. A. Hunter 
in Half Moon valley and Benjamin Ligget in Bald Eagle vallev, 
each cultivated a small field and had fine crops. 

Twenty years ago very little attempt had been made to impro^'e 
land by the use of lime. Since that time the use of it has become . 
cjuitc common, with most gratifying results. There is an abundance 
of lime-stone^ within the limits of the county suitable for agricultural 
jiurposes, and the time will eventually come when every farmer in 
the county will avail himself of its benefits. 

Throughout Penn's, Brush, Bald Eagle, and Nittany valleys 
there are farms which, in state of cultivation, character of buildings, 
and general improvements, will comjjare favorably with the finest 
farms of Lancaster and Lebanon counti(>s ; and in intelligence, 
hospitality, and industry the farmers and the farmers' families of 
Centre county will rank with the best of their class in any section 
of the State. 



OF CENTKE a)XJN)Y, 



-21V 



MANUFACTORIES. 



lUiuh'T thi.-< head are de^crihrd mme of' fhc leadhx) VKinvfdcfvrhig 
ediddidDiu'Dtii of the coiiidji; ofhcrs Intr/' been noticed cIsfAvhere.'] 



EAGLE IL' OK }VOh'KS, 

II^OLANI) CURTIN, tlic tWunder of these works, was hovn in 
■M^ Ii-cl:iii(l, in ITfiG, and came to tliis country in 1793. As nearly 
-f as can be ascertainerl lie first located within the present limits 
ill' (/entrc county, at wliat particular point is not definitely known 
but after the laying out of Philipslnu'g in 1707 he went there, where 
he was actively engaged in business for a time, furnishing building 
material, Ac, to the settlers. Next he removed to Bellefonte, about 
the time or soon after the organization of Centre county, and opened 
a store, which he conducted a number of years. On November 14, 
1806, he was elected the third sheriflf'of Centre county. The county 
then contain(Ml, in addition to its present territory, a large portion 
of what is now Clinton, and was literally a "howling wilderness" 
for the wild animals — wolves, panthers, and wild cats, "made night 
hideous" with their cries, even witliin siglit of the seat of justice. 
As mav be supposed, the settlements were few and far between, and 
the roads, as a general thing, mere bridle-ways, rendering it necessa- 
ry for Mr. Curtin in the discharge of liis oflficial duties, (which in 
those davs were not always of the tnost agreeable character.) to 
travel on horse-back. His adventures and experiences on such 
occasions were often uni)leasaiit and full of danger. The country 



218 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

was then, as well as now, infested with horse thieves and other 
desperadoes, who, after committing acts of lawlessness, would seek 
refuge in the wilderness, where their pursuit would be difficult and 
hazardous. While a resident of Bellefonte, Mr. Curtin always took 
a dee]3 interest in the affairs of the town, and especially in educa- 
tional matters. When the Bellefonte Academy was being establish- 
ed he manifested a determination to do his part in making it a 
success, and was apjjointed by the Legislature a member of its first 
board of trustees. He was a man of considerable literary attain- 
ments, having been educated in Paris, where he was sent when he 
was eighteen. 

Being of an energetic and enterprising disposition, he became 
desirous, after a few years experience in Bellefonte, to enlarge his 
sphere of business operations. The manufacture of iron was then 
attracting the attention of capitalists in this part of the State, and 
as there was an abundance of material and a demand for iron, he 
determined to engage in its production. Accordingly, in 1807, in 
company with Moses Boggs, he selected a location on Bald Eagle 
creek, six miles from Bellefonte, at what is now " Ciirtin's Works," 
on the B. E. V. Railroad, and constructed a forge. This was one of 
the first iron manufacturing establishments in the county. In the 
course of a year or so Boggs withdrew from the firm and Mr. Curtin 1 
conducted the business alone. 

In 1817 he built the old Eagle furnace, three-fourths of a mile 
south of the present Curtin's furnace ; this furnace is now in ruins, 
having been abandoned in 1836. 

In 1828 he built a rolling mill ()n the Bald Eagle creek, four 
miles northeast of Bellefonte; about the same time he built a resi- 
dence and a large four-story stone flouring mill at Curtin's, and 
moved there from Bellefonte. About the year 1832 he built what 
is known as " Martha Furnace," eleven miles west of Bellefonte, on 
the Bald Eagle creek. These works were abandoned in 1848, and 
the property afterwards sold to Thom})son & Irvin. 

The same year Martha furnace was abandoned Mr. Curtin erected 
the present furnace at ('urtin. 



OF CKNTRE OOVINT\. 219 

From the time he dii^solved })artiicrship with Moses Boggs lie 
remained sole proprietor of the various works he had built — con- 
ducted the business in his own name till 1828, when he took his 
f^ons, Austin, James and Roland, into the business with him, when 
the name of the firm became Roland Curtin & Sons, remaining thus 
till 1842, when Roland Curtin retired and the name became C. & J, 
Curtin. .In 18G4 the name was changed to R. C. & J. Curtin ; at 
the end of ten years another change took place, it then becoming C. 
Curtin & Co., under which name the firm confined till April 1, 1877, 
■when the works passed into the hands of the ])resent proprietors, all 
grandsons of the founder, under the firm name of Curtins & Co. 
The members of the present firm are Austin, J. B., A. G., H. H. R. 
and A. G. Curtin, all of whom are actively engaged at the works, 
except the latter, who is in Phihuleli)liia. 

Roland Curtin died in 1850, at the age of eighty -four years, 
liaviiig lived a life of activity and useiulness. His family consisted 
of six sons, Austin, James, Roland, Jr., Jolm, Constans and Andrew 
G., all of whom but the last named have been more or less extensive- 
ly engaged in the iron manufacturing business. 

The ore used at the Eagle Works is known as brown hematite 
and obtained upon the lands of the company at two different 
" banks," one located about three miles and the other three and a 
half from the works. In the process known as " washing" the ore, 
steam " washers " are used, the water for the purpose being obtained 
from artesian wells. The ore is separated from the flint, Ac, by 
means of what is called *' the Bradford Separator," said to be the 
only one in use in this country. 

The products of these works consist of charcoal, pig, bloom, bar, 
and rod iron, in manufacturing which three thousand five hundred 
tons of ore are used, and three hundred thousand bushels of charcoal 
consumed annually. Tlie ])resent yearly capacity of the furnace is 
sixteen hundred tons of pig metal. The forge, which has eight fires 
and runs nine months each year, produces one thousand tons ot 
blooms, and the rolling mill one thousand tons of bar and rod iron. 

The whole amount of land belonging to the company is twelve 



220 iNDUBTHiKs AND iNSTrrurcoxs 

thuusaiid aert'8, five thousand of which are iinniediately eumiected 
with the works. Besides the iron works proper, consisting of 
furnace, forge, rolling mill, &c., there are upon the property the 
lai'ge stone flouring mill, with four run of stone, and the dwelling 
before mentioned, a store conducted by the firm, and other necessary 
buildings — employees' dwellings, stables, &q. There are now em- 
ployed at the works one hundred men and fifty horses and mules. 

The first iron manufactured by Roland Curtin was transported to 
Pittsbui'g on the backs of mules ; then it was hauled in wagons over 
rough and almost impassable roads to Pittsburg and also to Phila- 
delphia. Afterwards it was conveyed on arks down the Bald Eagle 
creek ; thence down the West Branch to market. After the opening 
of the Bald Eagle extension of the West Branch canal, in 1846, it 
was conveyed on canal boats, and since the completion of the Bald 
Eagle Valley Railroad, in 1864, it has been shipped by rail. The 
present markets for the iron manul'uctui-ed at these works are 
Pittsburg, Cincinnati, and other points west ; Harrisl)urg, Reading, 
Philadelphia, and other eastern cities. 

The post-office at the Eagle Works is called " Roland," and the 
station " Curtin," being the full name of the worthy founder. The 
works themselves still retain the name of " Eagle Iron Works," but 
are now generally known as '' Curtin's Iron Works." 

MILESBURG IRON WORKS. 

These works are located on Spring creek in the gap between 
Milesburg and Bellefonte. They were started about the year 1800, 
by Colonel Samuel Miles, the founder of Milesburg. After his 
death, which took j^lace in 1805, they were conducted by his sons 
John and Joseph, till 1825, when Joseph Green purchased an 
interest; the firm then became "Joseph Miles & Co." In 1882 
Joseph Miles sold his interest to James Irvin. The firm was then 
changed to James Irvin & Co.," remaining thus till 1836, at which 
time Joseph Green sold his interest to Gen. Huston, when the name 
became " Irvin, Huston & Co." Huston afterward sold out to 



OF CKNTRK COUNTY. 221 

Colonel Gregg, and the name was changed to " Irvin, Gregg & Co.'' 
In 1848 this firm was succeeded by McCoy, Linn & Co., which 
continued till the death of General Irvin, in 1860, when his interest 
was purchased by the other' partners, the name of the firm remaining 
the same till 1864, when J. M. McCoy and James H. Linn became 
the sole owners. The business has since been corducted under the 
firm name of McCoy & Linn. 

The works consist of blast furnace, forge, rolling mill and wire 
mill. The ore used is brown hematite from Nittany valley, where 
the firm has ore rights covering about ten thousand acres. Con- 
nected with the works are about four thousand acres of timber 
hinds. The usual nundier of men emi)loyed is about forty. 

The ])roducti()ns of these works are wire rods, and blooms for 
boiler plates, none but charcoal iron being made. The wire mauu- 
fiictured by the firm finds a ready market in the New England 
states. 

iMANX'S BELLEFONTE AX FACTORY. 

Mann's ax factory is located on Logan Branch, a tributary of 
Spring creek, about two miles southeast of Bellefonte. It was 
established in 1825, by William Mann, who came from Johnstown, 
Montgomery county. New York. Two years later he was joined by 
his brother, Harvey Mann. The Messrs. Mann being thoroughly 
acquainted with their business in all its details, and, possessing a 
full stock of energy and enterprise, soon built up a profitable trade 
and opened the way for the extensive manufacture of axes in which 
various members of the family are now engaged. 

The co-partnership of Messrs. William Mann and Harvey Mann 
continued six years, when William retired and went to Lewistown, 
Mifflin county, Pa., where he established the ax factory now con- 
ducted under the firm r.ame of William Mann, Jr. & Co. Harvey 
remained in charge of the original works, (his son, Harvey Mann, 
Jr., becoming associated with him on arriving at the proper age,) 
till his death, which occurred in June, 1870. The business was 



222 INDUSTKlliS AND INSTITITJONS 

then continued by Harvey Mann, Jr., till February 27, 1875, when 
he died from the effects of injuries received in a railroad accident. 

On April 1, 1875, J. Fearon Mann, son of William Mann, the 
originator of the factory, and formerly member of the firm of Wm. 
Mann, Jr. & Co., of Lewistown, took pessession of the works, which 
he is now most successfully conducting. Mr. Mann's experience 
from childhood has been such as to thoi"oughly qualify him for the 
proper management of the business in which he is engaged. He 
not only understands the theory of ax manufacture, but has a. jn'uc- 
tical knowledge of the various processes through which it is necessary 
for an ax to pass before it is completed, ready for use. 

The present capacity of the factory is three hundred axes per day 
— nine thousand per week, or one hundred and eight thousand a 
year. 

Mr. Mann directs his whole attention to the manufacture of plain 
chopping axes, preferring to devote the skill and labor of his estab- 
lishment to that esj)ecial branch of the business, rather than engage 
in the making of other edge tools, cutlery, &c. Though he claims 
to make none but " plain axes," the various modifications of form 
and the many different sizes make a very great variety of " styles," 
so to speak, turned out by the works. 

At present Mr. Mann employ's about forty men, and notwith- 
standing the general depression of business, finds ready sale for all 
the stock he can turn out. Since he has had charge of the works, 
orders have been received from single firms for a thousand dozen 
of axes. 

The reputation of the " Mann " axes is such that it is unnecessary 
to speak in detail of their many superior qualities. It is enough to 
say that the manufacturer receives orders for them from nearly 
every State in the Union, besides which they have shipped several 
lots to England. Their principal trade, however, is in the western 
states, Cincinnati and St. Louis being their principal shipping 
markets. 

Since establishing their works in Central Pennsylvania the Manns 
have made many valuable improvements in the manufacture of 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 223 

axes, and to theiri belong.- the credit of originating some of the best 
styles or patterns of that implement now in use. 

ALLISON'S WOOL EX MILL. 

This mill is located in the village of Potter's Mills, on Laurel 
run. It was established nearly one hundred years ago by the Pot- 
ters, Avho were among the first settlers of the valley. The first mill 
was a rude structure, built of logs, and having but few conveniences 
as compared with the improvements of the present day It contain- 
ed a carding machine, and fulling mill, and manufactured rolls, 
fulled and colored cloth. The dye-stuff then used was made of 
walnut and butternut hulls. It was first operated by Ezekial 
Evans, and afterward by ■Mr. Potter and Samuel Patton, who built 
an addition to the mill, and added to the machinery one set of 
carding machines, a billey, jenny, and a few hand looms. They 
then manufactured green baize, satinet, blankets, and flannels. This 
mill was burned March 8, 1839, and rebuilt the following year by 
Potter, and again operated by Samuel Patton. The machinery, at 
that time, consisted of one set of carding machines and finisher, one 
two-hundred-and-forty-spindle mule, two power looms used for 
w^eaving satinet, hand looms for weaving carpets, blankets, and 
broadcloth. In 1848 it became the property of James Irwin, but 
was operated by Patton until 1850, then by Irwin and Wirick 
until 1855, when the property was purchased by William Allison, 
wdio rented the mill to Sanuiel Patton, by whom it was conducted 
until 1857. It was then rented by H. P. Cadwallader, who con- 
tinued in possession until 1860. It then passed into the hands of 
John Boozer, who continued to operate it until 1862. From this 
time until 1869 it was run by John Boozer and William Allison 
under the name of Boozer & Co. 

During the war quite an addition was made to the mill, and new 
machinery of the latest improvement, (manufactured by Jenks & 
Son of Philadelphia,") was added ; one set of forty-eight inch carding 
machines, one thre3-hundred-and-sixty-spindle mule, a picker and 



224 IJ^DliSTKIES AM) IXSTJTITIONH 

looiiLS. Ill 1S6G an engine and boiler was added, tlierefore the run- 
ning of the mill is not prevented by low water, as either water or 
.steam can be used. The coloring process is done entirely by steam, 
which is a great improvement upon the former method. From 
1869 to 1875 it was operated by Boozer and Evans. During the 
year 1875 the mill stood idle. Since 1876 it has been operated by 
W. M. Allison and brother. These gentlemen are intelligent and 
enterprising, and bid fair to conduct the business even more success- 
fully in the future than it has been done in the i)ast. 

For nearly a century the busy hum of the mill has kept time to 
the advancement of civilization in the new world where it first began 
its revolutions. When this mill was first built the county had but 
few inhabitants, and these ■were scattered far and wide over its 
length and breadth.- The scream of the panther and the howling of 
the wolf were not unusual sounds to the people of that day. This 
mill was a place of interest and very properly considered an estal)- 
lishnient of no small degree of importance. Many of the inhabitants 
were poor, having just settled uj:)on their land, which bad to be got 
into a state of cultivation, and of course imported goods were not to 
be thought of and not desired by the hardy and industrious people ; 
and the broad and fertile fields now possessed by their descendants 
are evidences that they were given to industry and economy. But 
the mill was just the convenience adapted to their necessities, there- . 
fore it received the support necessary to its existence ; and as one 
generation retired another came forward to fill its place, and the 
busy wheel has gone round and round, and in all these years, save 
one, it has never been idle. But it has improved with time, and the 
old log building, with its many inconveniences, has at length given 
place to a large and commodious structure which contains the 
modern improvements and has facilities for doing work that will 
succes.sfully compete with that of any other . manufactory of the 
county. 

The daily capacity of the mill, when all the machinery is at work, 
is about one hundred and fifty pounds, and w'ould furnish employ- 
ment for about twenty -five hands. The principal goods manufac- 



OF fnONTKK OOXJNTY. "225 

tvircd :ire cassiiucrcs, satinets, jeans, flannels, blankc'ts, flowered and 
otlier carpets, yarns, rolls and laps. These goods are disposed of 
tlii'oughout Centre, Clinton and Clearfield counties. A part is sold, 
hut th(^ princijial portion is exchanged for woo^, which is shipped to 
riiiladelphia, or nmniifiictured into yarn. 

WALLACE jnrjV TANNERY. 

This estnhlishment was l)uilt in l<SOo by liichard Downing and 
James L. Sonunerville, the name of the firm being James L. Som- 
merville ct Co. A year later Samuel Downing became a partner, 
when the firm name was changed to Sommerville, Downing & Co. 
In 1870 Mr. Sonunerville bought the interests of the other partners, 
'and has since conducti'd the business alone. 

This tannery is located on Wallace run at the Intersection of the 
Bcllefonle and Snow Shoe Railroad with Bald Eagle Valley Rail- 
road. Its capacity is four thousand heavy hides per year. The 
kind of leather manufactured is sole and belt. The hides are 
brought from various distant ])o:nts, and the bark used is obtained 
along the lines of the B. E. V. and B. & S. S. Railroads. The 
principal market for productions is Philadelphia. Leather manu- 
factured by ]^[r. Sommerville entitled him to a diploma from the 
American Institute Exposition in 1873. In its report of the " high- 
est medal exhibits" at the Centennial Exhibition, the Boston Jo?fr;;a/ 
of Commerce says: "There were numerous fine exhibits sent by the 
tanners of the Keystone State, but undoubtedly the best and most 
typical one was displayed by Mr. James L. Sommerville of the 
"Wallace Run Tamii'ry at Bellefonte, Pa. This consisted of a num- 
ber of fine sides of oak-tanned sole and bijlt leather, and was 
remarked upon by numerous experts for its great excellence of 
(juality and for the surprising uniformity, Avhich was a striking- 
characteristic of the exhibit. The leather was very firm and of 
great compactness of texture, very tough and full of life, thus prov- 
ing itself admirably suited for the making of belts as well as for 
soles. Mr. Sommervi lie's leather is largely used by fine shoemakers. 



226 rNDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

and tby the best belt iiiakers all over the country, and the good 
qualities which it shows in appearance seem amply to prove them- 
selves in actual use, so that the material is largely sought after and 
widely used. The jury of award made a most flattering rejwrt upon 
this exhibit, pronouncing it the very best they had seen, and award- 
ed a diploma of th.e highest merit with the grand medal of honor." 

Since the above was written this tannery has-been burned to the 
ground, (October 19, 1877,) but is now being rapidly rebuilt on an 
enlarged and much improved pJaii. 

BELLEFONTE FLOURING MILLS, CAR WORKS, &e. 

The Bellefonte Flouring Mills are located upon Spring creek in I 
the boi-ough of Bellefonte. They were built in 1800 by S. Smith 
and sold to AV. A. Thomas in 1834. The first miller was Daniel 
Weaver, who was succeeded by Hamilton Humes. In 1874 the 
property was purchased by Duncan & Hale. The name of the 
present firm is Duncan, Hale & Co., and consists of William P. 
Duncan, Dr. E. W. Hale, and C. T. Gerberick. The establishment 
has three run of burrs, and is furnished with a patent middling 
machine. Its annual production is ten thousand barrels of flour, 
and " feed " from forty thousand bushels of coarse grain. It also has 
one stone for grinding plaster, large quantities of which, known as 
the " snow flake " brand, is manufactured each season. The princi- 
pal markets for the flour and feed produced by this firm are Phila- 
delphia, Scranton, Wiikesbarre, and other points east. The company 
have their own cars for transportation. They have also another 
mill in operation at Philipsburg with four run of burrs. Its yearly 
manufacture is six thousand barrels of flour besides a large amount 
of feed. 

The Phuniix Mills are located on Logan Branch just above its 
confluence with Spring creek. Many years ago a mill was l)uilt on 
the same ground by James Harris. After being in operation a 
number of years it was burnt down. The present structure was 
built in 18(52 by W. F. Reynolds. It is a fine establishment, has 



OP CENTRE COUNTY. 227 

SIX run of Inirrs, and does uii extensive business. It is owned and 
operated by T. E. Reynolds & Co. 

The Bellefonte Car Works were established in 1873 by a stoek 
comijany composed principally of citizens of Bellefonte, with AVni, 
IMcClellaii of Chanibcrsburg, Pa., as president. Extensive and 
substantial buildings were erected on Spring creek, just above the 
town, at a cost of $80,000. Owing to the financial crash that 
occurred soon after the works were started, very little was done in 
the manufacture of cars before work was entirely suspended. The 
buildings are now being used by the firm of McClellan & 8])cer as a 
planing mill, foundry, and machine slioj). In 1876 B. P. Quimby 
started the "Novelty Works" in one of the buildings, for the 
manufacture of printing presses, knitting machines, scissors, &c., 
but at the end of about a year he gave up the business, and a 
companv has since been organized to continue the manufacture of 
knitting machines, and the presses are now made by McClellan & 
Speer. This firm at present employs from thirty to forty hands. 

The Bellefonte paper mill was established in 1875 by J. F. 
Batcheller & Co. at a cost of about $80,000. Owing to financial 
embarrassments this firm conducted the mill but a short time before 
operations were stopped. The works then remained idle till the fall 
of 1877, when they were purchased by Messrs. Cryder & Co. and 
leased to W. H. Guie of Downingtown, Pa., a practical paper manu- 
facturer of many years' experience. Under his charge the mill bids 
fair to becoine a success. The capacity of the establishment is one 
ton of paper every twelve hours. Eight hands are now employed. 
As yet only straw paper has been made. 

In 1868 a company was (organized for tlu' purpose of constructing 
glass works at Bellefonte. Suitable buildings were erected and 
operations commenced, the sand being obtained at Mountain Eagle 
station, six miles down the Bald Eagle valley. Glass of a good 
quality was manufactured for a time, but owing to a decreasing 
demand for it, the works were suspended as unprofitable and have 
since remained idle. 



228' INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 



THE BENCH AND BAR 



By J. H. VOSBURG, Esq. 



IJPENTRE COUNTY occupies the central porti'on of the State 
Om of Pennsylvania- — comprising- within its limits the exact geo- 
%|i>^ graphical centre — reckoning from north to south, and from 
east to west. It has many features fitting it to be the central 
county of the Commonwealth, both as regards its natural features 
and position, and its history and the character of its inhabitants. 
Its hills, valleys, woods and waters are surpassingly beautiful ; it 
comprises a large proportion of land as fertile as any in the State ; 
it is extremely rich in mineral products, and has many other mate- 
rial advantages, 

Bellefonte, its chief town and judicial seat, has always been 
remarkable for the beauty and picturesqueness of its location, a.- 
well as the substantial and enduring character of its buildings and 
its ])rosperity, and the stable, moral and temperate habits of i(s 
citizens. Although from her seven-hilled "throne of beauty" si ir 
has never yet seemed destined to "rule the world," yet in her 
modest and unpretending homes, many men have lived and labored, 
and many thoughts originated that have had their effect not on]\- 
upon the State, but also upon the Nation. Starting from this cen- 
tral position in the Keystone State, her influence has widened, and, 
we can say without extravagance, been felt — to some extent at least 
— throughout the civilized world. Yet the chief glory and distinc- 
tion of Centre countv — at least when considered intellectuallv — ha.- 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 



229 



been her bar. In this respect, she has always held a hl,<2;h position 
in the Commonwealth, and considering her comparative historical 
age, population and material ])roductions, a most remarkable one. 

It is something that though in a district comprising never less 
than three counties and sometimes five — from the formation of 
Centre, in 1800— six of the law judges of the district have been 
residents of this county, and two of these were also justices of the 
Supreme Court of the State. During the less than eighty years the 
county has had a separate existence, two-thirds of that period the 
president judges of the district have been residents of Bellefonte. 

One of the pcculiarites of C.nitre county has, in the opinion of 
some persons, been her reproach — that she has within her borders, 
and occupying and inheriting from sire to son, some of the most 
beautiful and fertile valleys in the State, a large proportion of what 
are known as " Pennsylvania Dutch," a people generally accused of 
being comparatively indifferent to education or mental culture of 
any kind, while they are inclined to be economical and arc 
extremely tenacious of the soil upon which they are born. These 
are not usually a progressive people, yet we cannot but believe they 
were providentially intended to occupy, improve and hold, their rich 
acres in a time of early hardships, dangers and changes. They 
formed a social substratum, so to speak — though not in an offensive 
sense — an honest, frugal yeomanry, thrifty and adhesive. There 
were enough of more ambitious people in the county of Avhom to 
make professional and enterprising business men. It is not all 
persons Avho can acquire or live by the learned professions, and it is 
best that there should be a large class — and especially in an agri- 
cultural district — who have no higher ambition than the successful 
cultivation of the soil and the preservation of their landed estates. 
In such a community there will be fewer scramblers for office, for 
professional emolument, or worldly gain by business speculation, yet 
they will insure that the people as a whole shall attain and retain a 
fair degree of material pro^sperity, while those who do devote them- 
selves to more intellectual occupations will have a much better 
chance of success than among a people where there are more 



230 IISDUSTKIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

aspirants for such employments and their conijiensations. Such a 
.substratum this county has had, and has had besides a large propor- 
tionate number of educated and ju'ofessional men. These stable, 
slow-moving farmers will gradually acquire light, as it radiates from 
the educated classes and educational institutions among them, and 
what they receive they will retain as jHrtinacionsly as they cling to 
their acres and their dollars. 

A history of the bench and bar of Centre county, to be at all 
complete, would necessarily fill an average sized volume. There is 
much that should be included in such a woi-k that could only be 
procured by considerable labor and research ; far more than the 
scope of this article permitted. As it is, it has cost not a little 
labor to obtain even the scant materials here presented, and it is 
hoped that it will be found not altogether valueless, even if for no 
other reason than that it niay furnish a hint to some one competent 
for the task, who will undertake it, as to what should be done, by 
considering diow far short this comes of doing justice to its subject. 
Such a work as could be written upon the topic would be interest- 
ing to all classes of readers, wliile to the student or practitioner of 
law it might be an inspiration : 

■' To teach his hoart to glow with gecerous flame . 
Caught from the deeds of men of ancient fame; 
And, more then all, with commeudatijn due, 
To set some living worthy in his view. 
Whose fair example may at once inspire 
A wish to copy wiiat he must admire." 

That the subject is a worthy one few will deny. The legal pro- 
fession is, doubtless, not so popular throughout the county, compara- 
tively, as it has been. As general intelligence is disseminated, there 
is less to separate the masses of the people from those who follow 
-what are called the learned professions. Yet there will, probably, 
always be necessity for some to devote themselves specially to the 
study and practice of those callings. Particularly is this true of the 
arduous profession of the law, whose heights and depths of statute 
and decision, are increasing from year to year, until it has become 
deserving of being characterized as 



OF CENTRE OOUNTY. 281 

■' The lawless sci''noe of our lavv, 

That codelops myriad of precodi-.nt, 
That wilderness* of single instances. 
Thro' which a few, by wit or lorlune led, 
May beat a pathway out to wpalth and fame." 

Being such, those Avho master its intricacies deserve credit for 
their industry, and those who use the knowledge thus obtained and 
the talent they may have, towards the righting of wrongs, the succor 
of the oppressed, and the attainment of justice — in short, who 
conscientiously discharge their duty — are worthy of any success or 
fortune that their labors in this arduous profession may bring. 

The practice of the law is no doubt attended with many and 
peculiar temptations, and it has become a popular notion that 
lawyers care nothing for truth or justice, but only for the success of 
their cause. This is far too severe a judgment, generally, and in the 
case of many is positively not true. Yet that some reason has been 
furnished for the suspicion is no doubt also true, and largely, as is 
evident, trom too many practitioners mistaking the extent of their 
duty to their client, even when they know his cause to be unjust. 
This has arisen, in great measure, from lawyers taking their cue in 
this regard from such remarks as that of Lord Brougham in the 
British House of Lords, when defending Queen Caroline : " An 
advocate," he says, " by the sacred duty which he owes to his client, 
knows in the discharge of that office but one person in the world, 
that client and none other." 

It is important to such members of the profession as have been 
misled by this utterance of Lord Brougham to know that the 
sentiment of it, in its general application, was afterwards repudiated 
by him. In a letter to Mr. Forsyth, author of a " History of 
Law-yers," he says, among other things, in reference to this passage : 
" The real truth is, that the statement was anything rather than a 
deliberate and well-considered opinion. It was a menace, and it 
was addressed chiefly to George IV., but also to wiser men, such as 
Castlereagh and Wellington." 

As an enthusiastic opinion of the varied excellencies and impor- 
tance of the legal profession, the quaint language of old Sir. John 



232 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

Davy is interesting : " We may proceed iurUicr and affirm confi- 
dently that the profession of the law is to be preferred before all 
other human professions and sciences, as being most noble for the 
matter and subject thereof, most necessary for the common and 
continued use thereof, and most meritorious for the good effects it 
doth produce in the commonwealth ? For what is the matter and 
subject of our profession but justice, the lady and queen of all moral 
virtues ? And what are our professors of thjS law but her counsel- 
lors, her secretaries, her interpreters, her servants? 

" Neither is the profession ennobled in regard of the dignity of 
her employment only, but she is to be honored so much the more 
for the necessity and continual use of her service in the common 
Aveal. For, if we must honor the {)hysician, ^>ro/;fer necessitahtm, as 
the wise man prescribeth, much more must we honor for the same 
cause the professors and ministers of the law. For neither do all 
men at any time, nor any one at all times, stand in need of the phy- 
sician ; for they that are in health ( which are the greatest number of 
men) non egent medico, saitli the great Physician of our souls, and 
our only Advocate which is in heaven. But all men, at all times 
and in all places, do stand in need of justice, and of law, which is 
the rule of justice, and of the interpreters and ministers of the law 
which give life and motion unto justice." 

Our court houses are — particularly in county towns — centres, not 
only of justice, but of interest, and, we may also affirm, of education. 
There, more or less talent and learning are displayed ; some of the 
best minds of the region are sure to there exhibit their training, 
their thoughts and their eloquence upon the causes in which they 
are engaged ; from the lips of counsel and from the bench, the 
people often hear words of wisdom and receive lessons for the con- 
duct of life which they will scarcely gat elsewhere. In the various 
trials which there take place — civil and criminal ; in the business 
of the courts, a constant drama of human life is unfolded, of incal- 
culable importance, and sometimes of intense interest. 

It is natural, then, that the people should like to attend the 



OF CKNTRE COUNTY. 233 

courts, that legal proceedings should excite their interest, and that 
able lawyers should be great popular favorites. The court house is 
jiot only tlieir temple of justice, it is also their lecture hall, and it is 
their theatre, where the dramas enacted are those of real life, instead 
of the fictions of the play-writers. 

JUDICIARY LEGISLATION. 

Centi-c county was erected by act of Assembly of February 13, 
1830, from jiarts: of the counties of Mifflin, Northumberland, Ly- 
coming and Huntingdon. Its distinct county existence commenced 
in the closing year of the eighteenth century, and its judicial history 
was fairly inaugurated with the beginning of the nineteenth century. 
By the above-mentioned law it was made a part of the Fourth judi- 
cial district of the State, then composed — under the act of April 13, 
1791 — of (he counties of Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Hunting- 
don, and Mifflin. By the act of March 15, 1800, Cumberland 
county was — after the last Monday of the next June — to be annex- 
ed to the Second district, and from and after the last Monday of 
the next May, Somerset county was to be attached to the Fourth 
district. 

By the constitution of 1790, and an act of Assembly of April 13, 
1791, not less than three nor more than four persons in each county 
were to be appointed and commissioned by the Governor, as judges 
of the courts of common j^leas, &c. The president judge of the 
district, who was required to be learned in the law, and any two of 
the judges (afterwards termed associates) were a quorum for holding 
courts of common pleas and oyer and terminer ; but courts of quar- 
ter sessions and orphans' court, could be held by any two of the 
county judges. 

The appointment of persons not lawyers, as judges, even for the 
highest courts, was common in colonial times, and was evidently a 
necessity. Says Brown in The Forum (Vol. I, p. 221) : 

"With such laws, and such popular dispositions as we have indica- 
ted, Ave can understand what is otherwise difficult of comprehension. 



2'M INniTSTRIRS AND INSTITUTIONS 

that the court of common pleas [of Phihidelphia] prior to the Rev- 
olution, had scarcely ever a single lawyer upon its bench ; that to 
be 'learned in the law' was not a requisite for appi^intment to the 
judicial office." 

In 1749 we find the court of common pleas of Philadelphia held 
by four justices, of whom Benjamin Franklin was one, and none 
of whom were lawyers. Brown also tell us (lb., p. 345) : 

" The character of the justices of the Supreme Court appears to 
have been much the same with that of those of the common pleas, 
that is to say, but few of them had been educated for the bar, before 
they were raised to the bench." 

At the time of the beginning of our first j^rinted reports, those of 
Mr. Dallas — which were the second reports issued in this country of 
decisions of American tribunals — the Chief Justice, William Allen, 
was not a lawyer ; one of his associates was not educated for the bar, 
and it is believed that the other was not. 

By the act erecting the county it was provided that, " a court of 
general quarter sessions of the peace and of the conuBon pleas, in 
and for the said Centre county, shall be opened and holden on the 
Mondays next succeeding the general county courts held in the 
county of Mifflin, in the house now occupied by James Dunlop, in 
the town of Bellefonte in the said Centre county, until a court house 
shall be erected as hereinafter directed, and shall then be held at 
the said court house." 

By a section of the same act three persons who are named as 
trustees were " to purchase or take and receive, by grant, bargain or 
otherwise, as well all such assurances for the payment of money and 
grants of land," &c., " also any moneys, bonds or other property 
that may hereafter be offered to them in trust, to sell and convey or 
otherwise dispose of the same to the best advantage ; " " and to vest 
one moiety of the. neat proceeds thereof in some productive fund for 
the support of an academy or public school in the said county;" 
the other moiety of this fund and of other monies assessed, levied 
and collected within said couiity, to build a court house, prison and 
other buildings for the safe keeping of the public records. Thus 



V)l' CKKTHK COtlN'l V. 235 

<c>(iual provifsion was made at the organization of tlu; county I'or the 
administration of justice and the liberal education of the youth of 
the viciinty — a good beginning:, and one which has since borne 
excellent fruit. 

By act of February 24, 1806, the fourth j\idicial district was to 
be compose^l of the counties of Mifflin, Centre, Huntingdon and 
Bedford, and the times for the commencement of the courts in 
Centre were fixed on the fourth Mondays in January, April, August 
and November. 

In ] 807 the middle district of the Supreme Court was established 
and Centre county was attached to the same, the place of holding 
courts being at Sunbury. 

There is some curious legislation respecting the holding of special 
eourts for the county and district, which is perhaps worth mentioning. 
At various times it had been enacted that whenever the president 
■judge had been counsel for the parties in a cause triable in his court, 
or was interested in the event of the suit, or wdiere the title to 
property involved was derived through him, or if he w'as related to 
either of the ]3arties, such causes should be put upon a special list, 
and a special court for the trial of the same should be held by the 
president judge residing nearest to the county where the suits were 
depending. Afterwards it was provided that such special courts 
could be held by any duly commissioned president judge in the 
State. 

March 28, 1814, an act was passed, the preamble to which declar- 
ed that " Whereas, the president of the courts of common pleas of 
Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Centre, before his appointment was engag- 
ed as counsel in many important causes, which prevents him from 
sitting at the trial, and deprives suitors of the advantage of legal 
opinions on matters of law in said causes; for remedy whereof" the 
president judge of the Eighth district was authorized to hold special 
courts for said counties. 

A law relating to special courts was passed in 1818, but by the 
second section of the same it was enacted, " that the counties of 
Clearfield and Centre are hereby declared to be excluded from the 



236 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

provisions of any of the acts relating to the holding of special courts 
of common pleas, and special courts shall not be held in said 
counties." In 1821 the president judge of the ninth judicial district 
was authorized and required to hold special courts in the counties of 
Huntingdon, Mifflin and Centre, while the president judge of the 
fourth district was to try special causes in Bradford county. In 
1837 the act of 1821 wa«; repealed so far as related to the holding 
of special courts in Centre county, and that county was declared to 
be embraced within the provisions and subject to the rules of the 
general judiciary act of 1884. 

The act of April 14, 18;54, re-organizing the courts of the State, 
provided for the appointment, by the Governor, of a president judge 
for each judicial district, and two associate judges in each county, 
said judges to hold their offices during good behavior. Centre 
county was attached to the Eastern district of the Supreme Court, 
there being, by that act, four districts established. The State was 
divided into seventeen districts (an eighteenth being provided for to 
be erected the next year); the Fourth district to comprise the coun- 
ties of Huntingdon, jNIifflin, Centre, Jefferson and Clearfield. 

By the amended Constitution of the Commonwealth of 1838, all 
judges were still to be appointed and commissioned by the Governor, 
by and with the consent of the Senate, but the judges of the Supreme 
Court were to hold office for the term of fifteen years ; those of the 
common pleas required to be learned in the law, for ten years, and 
associate judges for five years. 

By act of March 21, 1842, it is provided that after the first day 
ef May, of that year, the Fourth judicial district shall consist of 
the counties of Centre, Clearfield and Clinton. 

As a specimen of the " mixed " legislation of the period, we note 
the second section of an act passed in 1844, entitled "An act relat- 
ing to a certain action pending in the court of common pleas for the 
city and county of Philadelphia, and relating to special courts in 
the county of Mifflin," which provides, " that so much of the seventh 
section of the act of the 5th April, 1842, entitled ' An act to reduce 
the capital stock of the Atlantic Insurance Company of Philadel- 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 237 

phiii, and for other purposes,' as makes it the duty of the president 
judge of the Fourth judicial district to hold special courts in the 
several counties of the Twentieth judicial district, be and the same 
is hereby repealed." 

By an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, rati- 
fied by the people at an election in 1850, judges were thereafter to 
be elected by popular vote, the terms of office prescribed by the 
Constitution of 1838, not being changed. 

By act of 15th April, 1851, the counties of Northund^erland, 
Lycoming, Centre, and Clinton, were made to constitute the Eighth 
judicial district. By act of 9th April, 1853, the counties of Centre, 
Clearfield, and Clinton, were erected into the Twenty-fifth judicial 
district, and have so continued to the present time. The qualified 
electors of the district were, on the second Tuesday of the following 
October, required to choose a president judge for the district, to 
serve for ten years from the first day of the next December. 

Chancery powers and jurisdiction were extended to the courts of 
common pleas of Centre and Clinton counties, by act of 21st April, 
1854. 

In 1871 Centre county was attached to the Western district so far 
as regarded the punishment of offenders convicted in said county, 
who were sentenced to confinement in the State jaenitentiary. 

Under the Constitution of 1873 no change has been made in the 
formation of the Twenty -fifth judicial district. Of recent legisla- 
tion affecting this district, the most important is that permitting the 
appointment, by the Governor, of an additional law judge, by an 
act passed in 1874, who was, at the succeeding State election, chosen 
by the people for a term of ten years. That the people and the 
courts might derive full benefit from the appointment and election 
of this new official, an act was passed on the 18th of March, 1875, 
providing that where more than one judge learned in the law is 
authorized in any district, the judges may severally try causes on 
the same trial list with the same panel of jurors, holding courts at 
the same time. Giving the people the benefit of this provision, the 
president and additional law judge of this district often hold courts 



238 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

at the same time, in the same county, thus making the panel of 
jurors and other officials, do double duly, at a great saving of 
expense to the respective counties. Although, under the old regime, 
the president judge was unable to keep up the trial list in all cases, 
in so large a district, and with so extensive and growing a business 
for the courts, yet with additional help, and the assistance of sten- 
ographers now authorized by law, the lists are so nearly brought up 
to date, that we venture to say there is no district in the Common- 
wealth where suitors will find their causes more readily disposed of 
— and, we may add, more thoroughly and efficiently. 

EARLY HISTORY. 

The first court ()f common pleas for the county of Centre was 
held on the second Monday in November, 1800, before associate 
judges James Potter and John Barber, Esq'rs, in the house of 
James Dunlop, as provided by law. This house seems to have been 
on the site of the present residence of Edmund Blanchard, Esq., on 
High street. At this term, on motion of Jonathan Walker, Esq., 
the following gentlemen were sworn and admitted to practice as 
attorneys of the court : Jonathan Walker, Chas. Huston, Elias W. 
Hale, Jonathan Henderson, Robert W. Allison, Robert T, Stewart, 
William A. Patterson, Jno. Miles, David Irvine, William W. Laird, 
and Jno. W. Hunter, Esq'rs. 

On the 11th of November, 1800, the first judgment was entered, 
on motion of Mr. Walker, by virtue of a warrant of attorney ; that 
of Henry Betz, assignee of Christiana Jones, late Christiana Rue, 
who was assignee of Henry Garrison vs. Edward Larkins and Dan'l 
Connor, for £36 13s. 4d., besides costs of suit. After various pro- 
ceedings, the cause was finally ordered on for trial at April term, 
1802, when the defendant agreed to a judgment. Walker for 
plaintiff"; Stewart for defendants. The only other case on the list 
for this term was that of Jas. Chriswell vs. John Derflinger. The 
defendant, by his attorney, Wm. A. Patterson, Esq., confessed judg- 
ment for £30, with interest and costs. 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 2H9 

The next court of coninion pleas was held on the third Monday 
ill Jumiary, 1801, before James Potter, John Barber, Adam Harper, 
and Robert Boggs, Esq'rs, associate judges. No. 3 on the list for 
this term was removed by habeas corpus to the circuit court. At 
this term there were eighteen causes on the docket, but no trials, a3 
no law judge was present. 

The first court of common pleas for the trial of causes commenced 
on the third Monday in April, 1801, ))cforc James Riddle, Esq., 
president, and his associate judges. The rules of court printed and 
adopted in other parts of the district, were adopted for this court. 
There wei-e forty-one cases on the appearance docket for this terin. 

The first court of quarter sessions for the county was held in 
January, 1801, before Hon. James Potter, (and, probably, Jno. Bar- 
ber,) Esq'rs. James Duncan, high sheriff, returned a panel of 
twenty-four grand jurors, who were duly sworn, but whose names 
are not given on the docket. The first indictment returned was 
that of Respublica vs. Michael Triester, for larceny. .The case was 
continued until the following April sessions, when the defendent 
was tried by a jury and acquitted. The only other indictment on 
the docket for this session, was that of Respublica vs. Galbraith 
Knox and John Holt, supervisors of roads, of Bald Eagle township. 
There is no record of the disposal of this second indictment. Five 
persons were recommended to be licensed to keep houses of enter- 
tainment, none of whom lived in Bellefonte.^ 

In April, 1801, was held a court of oyer and terminer and court 
of quarter sessions, by president judge Riddle, and his associates. 
The following were sworn as the grand inquest : Wm. Swauzy, fore- 
man, Jas. Harris, Philip Benner, Richard Malone, John Hall, David 
Barr, Wm. Kerr, Michael Bollinger, Jas. Whitehill, Wm. Irvine, 
Jno. Irvine, Wm. Eyerly, Jas. Newall, Sam'l Dunlap, Alexander 
Read, Jno. Patton, Jno. M. Byke, Felix Chrisman, James Reynolds, 
and Michael Weaver. Matthew Allison, John Dunloj), and Jacob 
Skillman, who were duly summoned as grand jurors, !)ut made 
default, were fined six dollars each, which seems to have been the 
fine regularlv imposed on defaulting jurors at that day, and i'or 



240 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

some time after. James Dunlop, another grand juror, was excused 
from attendance. John Dunlop and Matthew Allison were after- 
wards heard on oath and their fines were remitted. 

The first indictment returned at this session was that of Respublica 
vs. Wm. Miles, for assault and battery. The following is the record 
of proceedings : " Defendant being arraingned, submits to the court, 
with a protestation of his innocence, and prays to be admitted to a 
small fine. Whereupon, the judgment of the court is, that the 
defendant, Wm. Miles, pay a fine of ^10 and the costs of prosecu- 
tion, and that he enter into a recognizance in the sum of $200, with 
a sufficient surely in the like sum, conditioned to keep the peace 
and be of good behavior towards the liege inhabitants of this Com- 
monwealth, for the space of one year, particularly towards William 
Petrikin, Esq.," &c. The next case is against Thomas Waddle, also | 
for an assault and battery, defendant making the same plea as was 
made by Miles, and being fined $1 and costs. The next three cases 
were also for assault and battery — one of the indictments, the third 
for this term, being ignored. The record in the next is, " No 
endorsement of the grand jury on the indictment," but the following 
words are on the back of it, to wit, "Noli. Pros." In the following 
case (No. 5) there is a similar record, with the announcement, 
"Negro Jacob discharged by proclamation." 

At this term was tried what seems to have been the first case in 
the oyer and terminer^ Respublica vs. Andrew Kirk, indicted for 
burglary, of which the record is : " The prisoner being arraigned 
pleads guilty and submits to the court, with a protestation of his 
innocence, and prays to be admitted to a small fine. Whereupon, 
the judgment of the court is, that the prisoner, Andrew Kirk, forfeit 
to this Commonwealth all and singular the lands, tenements, goods, 
and chattels, whereof he was seized and possessed on the 24th day 
of December, A.D. 1800, or at any time since, and that he undergo 
a servitude of six years, and be kept at such labor, and be fed and 
clothed as the law directs. That he pay the costs of prosecution ; 
and that he be detained in custody till this judgment is complied 
with." The above mentioned are all the indictments found at this 



OF CKNTKE COUNTY. 



'241 



term of court. Six persons were reeominended to he lieeiised to 
keep liousos of entertainment ; among them are, for Bellefonte 
borough, Hugli Gallaglier. 

Tlie August sessions for the same year were held before associate 

judges Jas. Potter, . James Duncan, high sheriflf", 

returned a jxmel of grand jurcn-s, the list of those sworn beginning 
>vith Wm. Rankin and ending with Roland Curtin. Five indict- 
ments were presented at tliis court, two of which were against 
" Negro Jacob " for larceny. He plead guilty to both indictments, 
Avith the customary " protestation of his innocence," c^c, and in the 
first case was sentenced to pay a fine of thirty-seven cents and costs, 
and be imprisoned one month ; in the second, a fine of fifty cents, 
and one month's imprisonment from the expiration of the former 
sentence. 

On the docket for this term we find the following record : " On 
application of the grand jury, Wm. Connelly is brought before the 
court for contempt, in not attending the grand jury, and for locking 
them in the prison of the county while in for viewing the state of 
the same, and detaining them there a long time against their will." 
What was done with this contemptuous individual, who thus out- 
raged the members of the grand inquest, we have no information. 

On the first day of November sessions, 1802, we find it ordered 
by the court that four dollars fine should be imposed upon each 
constable who did not appear in court Avith his return on the even- 
ing of that day. " John Dobson, being brought before the Court, 
is fined the sum of sixty-seven cents for indecent and improper 
behavior in court, and the court direct that he be detained in cus- 
tody till the same is paid." 

Before the court of oyer and terminer at November term, 1802, 
the first indictment found in the county for murder was tried — that 
of Respublica vs. Negro Dan, <ilim Dan Byers, charged with mur- 
dering James Burrows, on the night of October 15, 1802, in Spring 
township. A number of persons Avere held as witnesses and as bail 
for others. Elizabeth Burrows was committed to jail as a witness. 
On the 9th of November, it is reeoi'ded, " the prisoner being 



242 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

arraigned pleads ' nou cul, et de hoc.'"' &c. November 10 a jury of 
the county called, twelve good and lawful men of the county of 
Centre, who being duly impanelled, summoned and returned, tried 
and balloted for, sworn and charged, on their oaths aforesaid 
respectively do say, that Negro Dan, otherwise called Dan Byers, 
the prisoner at the bar, is guilty of the felony and murder whereof 
he stands indicted in the first degree, and have valued him in the 
sum of two hundred and fourteen dollars." 

The explanation of this valuation of the prisoner is as follows : : 
By the act of 1780 for the gradual abolition of slavery, it is pro- '\ 
vided, by the seventh section, that negroes and mulattoes, whether 
slaves or freemen, shall be subject to the same trial and punishment 
for (ifienses as white persons. Section eight is as follows : 

" In all cases wherein sentence of death shall be pronounced 
against a slave, the jury before whom he or she shall be tried shall 
ajjpraise and declare the value of such slave; and in case such 
sentence be executed, the Court shall make an order on the State > 
treasurer payable to the owner for the same, and for costs of pros- s 
ecution, but in case of remission and mitigation for the costs only." 

" Whereupon, it is considered and ordered by the Court, that the 
said Negro Dan, otherwise called Dan Byers, be taken from this 
place to the common gaol of the county of Centre, from whence he 
came, and from thence to the place of execution, and there be hanged 
by the neck till he be dead — and that God may have mercy on his 
soul." Courts were powerful in those days, Avhen they could " order " 
that God should have mercy upon the soul of a condemned male- 
factor. Negro Dan was duly executed on the IStli of the following 
December, by James Duncan high sheriff, and we hope it was a 
comfort to him, that the court which sentenced him to punit-hment 
in this world decreed that he should have mercy in the next. 
Elizabeth Burrows was at this term indicted for perjury, but was 
discharged from confinement the next April. 

A very large proportion of the indictments in the early years of 
the county's history were for assault and battery, many of the , 
principal men of the county being thus implicated. At January J 
sessions, 1803, an indictment was presented against William Irwin, 



OF CENTIIK COlIN'ii'. 243 

John Irwin, (iuiuii Irwin, -lolin Moi'row and David Love for assault 
on William McKihbon. It was ignored as to William Irwin and 
David Love ; the others plead guilty, with the usual protestations, 
&c., and were fined six cents each and costs. David Tipton, Samuel 
Askey, David McKibbon and Geo. AVilliams were indicted for riot. 
A true bill was fou-ad as to the first three, but the indictment was 
removed by certiorari to the circuit court. At August sessions, 
1804, John Dunlop was fined one cent and costs for assault and 
l)attery. 

At November sessions, 1804, w^e have this record : " The commis- 
sion of Hon. Thomas Cooper, Esq., as president judge of the several 
courts in the district composed of the counties of Franklin, Mifflin, 
Centre, Huntingdon, Bedford and Somerset, and his oath of office, 
taken and .subscribed before two of the justices of the Sui)reme 
Court of the State of Pennsylvania, was read in open court and 
ordered to he entered of record." James Askey was at this term 
indicted for murder, and tried by a jury, who found him not guilty. 

Judge Cooper also presided over the courts at April term, 1805, 
which was his last appearance in this county as president judge of 
the district. 

At April term 1806, it is recorded: "The commission of Hon. 
Jonathan Walker, Esq., president judge of the Fourth district, com- 
posed of the counties of Bedford, Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Centre, 
and his oath of office, read." 

At January term, 1806, we find the first use of the form, " The 
Commonwealth as plaintiff," &c., in criminal cases, instead of " Res- 
publica," as before that date. 
. ■ " Chloe, a negress," was indicted at August term, 1806, for the 
murder of an illegitimate child, but discharged. 

At August term, 1807, Paul Clover aud Benjamin Jordon were 
appointed by this court, "wood rangers" for Clearfield county. 

At August sessions, 1810, there was the case of the Com. vs. Wm 
Westhover, indicted for a misdemeanor " in raising the dead body 
of a certain John New^by, out of its grave in the grave yard belong- 
ing to the East Presbyterian church in Penu's valley, and carrying 



244 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

it away." Defendant plead guilty, and was fined one dollar and 
costs, and sentenced to be confined in the county jail forty-eight 
hours. 

We are informed that Thomas Sly, who was convicted at Novem- 
ber terra, 1814, of ste'aling a silver watch, was sentenced to pay a 
fine of one cent and be imprisoned in the county Jail of Centre 
county for six months, to be held at hard labor. Two years after, a 
culprit, for stealing a fowling piece, was sentenced to confinement in 
the county jail for one week — from which, and many other records, 
it would seem that larceny was not then regarded by the courts with 
the same severity as at present. 

The court commenced on the third Monday of April, 1818, was 
the last presided over by judge Walker. An adjourned term was 
held, beginning on the 27th day of the following July, when " the 
commission of Charles Huston, Esq., president of the Fourth judicial 
district, was presented and read in open court," &c. 

At August term, 1818, the appointment of Ebenezer G. Bradford, 
by the attorney general — Amos Ellmaker — as prosecutor in the case 
of the Commonwealth vs. James Monks, was approved by the court. 
At the same term, Henry Shippen was appointed prosecutor on 
behalf of the Commonwealth during the present court of quarter 
sessions, while David W. Huling was sworn as deputy attorney 
general, in and for the county of Centre, in open court, January 
26, 1818. 

At the August term, 1818, of the court of oyer and terminer an 
indictment was found against James Monks for the murder of 
Reuben Guild. On the 2C)th of August counsel for the defendant 
objected, before pleading to the indictment, "first, to the precept ; 
second, to the return ; third, because it does not appear by the lists 
set up in the office of the clerk of the oyer and terminer, nor of the 
sheriff, that the commissioners were present at, or had anything to 
do with the drawing of the jury. But," the record continues, " it 
appearing by the records in the commissioners' office that they were 
present at the drawing of the jury, the Court overruled the objec- 
tions and directed the prisoner to be arraigned." The defendant 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 245 

was arraigned on the 27tli of August, when he plead not guilty, and 
on motion of his counsel the case was continued. At November 
term there appeared for the Commonwealth, Etting, Bradford and 
Blanchard ; for the defendant, Norris, Burnside and Potter. The 
trial took place on the 26th of November, 1818, and on coming into 
court the jury were polled, when each answered that he found " the 
defendant, James Monks, guilty of murder of the first degree, in 
manner and form as he stands indicted." November 30 W. W. 
Potter, Esq., moved for arrest of judgment, and on the first of 
December following filed exceptions to the indictment. After 
argument the indictment was held to be good, and the reasons were 
overruled by the Court, which on the first of December proceeded 
to pronounce sentence upon the prisoner. 

Monks was executed January 23, 1819, by John Mitchell, high 
sheriff. Gen. S. Miles Green, who was then a law^ student in Belle- 
fonte, was present at the execution, and formed a member of a 
military company commanded by Captain Jno. G. Lowrie, who were 
stationed by the sheriff in front of the jail and around the scaffold. 
Gen. Green well remembers the appearance of the condemned man 
upon that occasion. He was apparently calm and collected, and 
upon the scaffold made a very earnest address to the multitude. 

Monks had led the life of a vagabond, having had few opportu- 
nities for education or moral training. Reuben Guild, the victim 
of the murder, was going on an expedition to the West, and was 
killed on the hills beyond Anderson's creek, in what was then Cen- 
tre, but is now Clearfield county. 

CIRCUIT COURTS. 

Circuit courts were an institution of our early jurisprudence, being 
authorized by law at the time of the formation of the county ; also 
by act of 24th February, 1805, and abolished in 1809 ; again restor- 
ed by act of 8th 'April, 1826, and finally abolished by the general 
judiciary law of 14th April, 1834, and the proceedings restored to 
the courts from which they had been removed. They were presided 



246 rNDUSTRiEs and institutions 

over by one or more judges of the supreme court of the State — 
afterwards by a single judge onl3\ Many imjiortant cases aud 
indictments were removed from tlie common pleas and quarter ses- 
sions to the circuit court, by certiorari or habeas corpus, especially 
proceednigs in ejectment. Judge Huston, speaking of the means 
by which he became acquainted with the land laws of the State, 
[Introduction to An Essay on the History and Nature of Orir/inal 
Titles to Land, &c.,'] says : 

" In a few years the circuit court system was adopted, which dif- 
fered from the other [Nisi Prius courts] principally in this : the 
records of the court were kept in each county, the judgments were 
entered on the county, and the executions issued in the county, and 
not in and from the supi-eme court, which, then, sat only in Phila- 
delphia. Under this system all ejectments were removed into the 
circuit court, held only by the judges of the supreme court. In 
these courts only could I obtain tlie inforination I wanted ; and 
regularly, for years, I met the circuit court, at each county in the 
district; went in with the court, and come out when it rose," &e. 

There are in the vaults of the court house of Centre county two 
circuit court dockets, one for the period up to the time of the 
abolition of such courts in 1809, the other covering the second 
period of their existence from 1826 to 1834. Upon the inside of the 
cover of the first named docket we find a record to the following 
effect : 

1st. A circuit court was held at Bellefontc by Hon. Jasper 
Yeates and Hugh H. Brackenridge, commencing Tuesday the 11th 
of May, 1802, and ending Wednesday the 12th of May, 1802, in the 
afternoon. 

2d. By Thomas Smith and Hugh H. Brackenridge, Monday the 
14th of May, 1804, and ending the Friday following, in the evening. 

3d. By Wm. Tilghman, chief justice, commencing Monday the 
19th May, 1806, and ending the Saturday following in the forenoon. 

4th. By Thomas Smith, commencing Monday the 10th of May, 
1807, and ending the Saturday following, in the evening, late. 

5th. By Hon. H. H. Brackenridge, commencing Monday the 
20th June, 1808, and ending the Saturday morning following. 

The same docket has entries for terms of court in September and 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 247 

December, 1801, and lor March, Septeniher and December each 
year thereafter u]) to September, 1809. 

May 17, 1804, James Duncan, " formerly high sheriff," acknowl- 
edged a deed poll to James Philips, in trust for John Philips, of 
bank in Heaton Norris, in the county of Lancaster, in Great Britain, 
for ninety-nine tracts of land. At September term, 1803, \vc find 
the case of Respublica vs. David Tipton, Samuel Askey, David 
McKibben, and Geo. AVilliams, for riot and assault and battery on 
Guian Irvin, removed from the court of quarter sessions. The bill 
was ignored as to Williams. The other defendants were found guilty 
of riot, in May, 1804, and the court fined David Tipton five dollars. 
Sam'I Askey and David McKibben, each three dollars. There was 
also an indictment against Philip Benncr and ten other defendants, 
for forcible entry and detainer, and assault and battery, removed by 
certiorari to the circuit court. May 15, 1804, the defendants were 
found guilty by a jury, of forcible entry. On motion of William 
Duncan, judgment was arrested "for want of cause in court." 
McKean appeared for the prosecution, and Walker and Stewart 
for the defendants. 

At September term, 180-3, we find the case of Wm. Petrikin, Esq., 
vs. Wm. Miles, capia><, assault and battery. Defendant held to bail 
in SI, 000. By consent, rule for special jury list, to be made by 
Robert Boggs, Esq. Removed to circuit court by the plaintiff. A 
struck jury to May circuit court, 1804, May 17, 1804, discontinued 
and defendant for costs, by consent. Walker and Stewart appear- 
ed for the plaintiff; Miles, Irvine, Henderson and Riddle for the 
defendant. 

The record in circuit court docket. No. 2, commences with March 
term, 1827. As to when and by whom tlie courts were held at this 
period, we have no information. There are entries for the regular 
terms in each year in March, September and December, from March, 
1827, to December, 1832. The business in this court seems to have 
fallen off, for we find on the docket for September term, 1831, but 
one cause; and the same for March term, 1832, September, 1832, 
and December, 1832. 



248 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

REPORTED CASES. 

An examination of the volumes of printed reports shows tlie first 
case reported from Centre county to be recorded in 4 Yeates, page 
^QQ>. It was decided at the term of the supreme court hekl in Phil- 
adelphia in March, 1807. It is that of John Dunlop against Evan 
Miles, and was tried originally at a circuit court at Bellefonte, on 
the 16th of May, 1804, before Smith and Brackenridge, justices. It 
was an action of insimul computasset brought by one of three parties, 
Evan Miles, Richard Miles and John Dunlop, — -who were engaged 
in the manufacture of bar iron, after the dissolution of the 
co-partnership, — on an agreement of John Dunlop, the defendant 
below. In the circuit court a verdict was rendered for the plaintiff, 
with 429£ 10s. 9d. damages. 

The next reported case is found in 2 Binney, page 60, the decision 
being rendered at the July term, 1809, for the middle district of the 
supreme court. The case is that of Packer vs. Spangler and wife, 
removed by writ of error from the common pleas of Centre county. 
The action was for slander of the Avife in charging that " she swore 
a false oath," the innuendo being " meaning that the said Barbara 
had been guilty of the crime of willful and corrupt perjury." The 
jury rendered a verdict for the ]>laintif}s below, and gave $500 
damages. The supreme court decided that the words charged to 
have been spoken by Packer were not actionable, nor would the 
imniendo help them. Before the supreme court appeared Riddle 
for plaintiff and Huston for defendants in error. 

In 3 Binney, page 14, et seq., is reported the case ot Lessee of 
Duncan against Curry and others, an appeal to the supreme court 
from the decision of justice Brackenridge at a circuit court held in 
Bellefonte, in June, 1808. This was a case of considerable import- 
ance under the land laws of the State, and is quoted in full bv 
Judge Huston in his work on Land Titles in Pennsylvania, as one 
of the leading cases on the subjects therein adjudicated. 



OF CEXTRK COUNTY. 245) 

THE JUDICIARY. 

The prc^dcnt judges of the several courts of the district under 
the Coustitution of 1790, were as follows: James Riddle, who was 
])resideut judge of the Fourth dist] ict when the county was formed ; 
Thomas Cooper, who first took his seat on the bench of this county 
at November term, 1804; Jonathan AValker, commissioned March 
1, 1806; Charles Huston, commissioned July 1, 1818; Thos. Burn- 
side, commissioned April 20, 1826 ; George W. Woodward was the 
first judge elected by the people under the act of 1850, having been 
previously appointed. Then followed judges James S. Hale, Alex" 
ander Jordan, James Burnside, James Gamble, Samuel Linn, Jos 
B. McEnally, and Chas. A. Mayer, and additional law judge, John 
H. Orvis. 

Neither Judge Kiddle nor Judge Coojier was a resident of this 
county. Of Judge Riddle we have little informatim of a reliable 
character. Judge Thomas Cooper was distinguished as a scholar, 
and somewhat as a writer; his edition of the "Institutes" of Jus- 
tinian, the translation being a revision and condensation of that by 
Harris, and a work on "Jurisprudence" being specially noted. He 
was fined and imprisoned for a libel upon President Jno. Adams, the 
fine being afterwards remitted by Congress. Besides being presi- 
dent judge of this district, he was professor of chemistry in Dickin- 
son 'College, Carlisle, professor of chemistry in the University of 
Pennsylvania, and president of the State College of South Carolina. 

HON. JONATHAN WALKEB. 

The first president judge of the district who resided here, was a 
lawyer of distinguished ability, and deserves a fuller notice than Ave 
are able to give in this brief sketch. 

A house was built for him on Allegheny street, Bellefonte, and 
under his direction, by Gen. Philip Benuer, and has remained in 
possession of the family of the latter ever since, being at present 
occupied by Hon. Jno. B. Linn, whose wife is a grand-daughter of 



250 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 



•1 



Gen. Benner. It is one of the substantial stone structures of an' 
early day, for which Bellefonte is remarkable, i^t this place his 
son Stephen was born. He removed late in life to the State of 
Mississippi, where he died. In addition to his other titles to distinc- 
tion, he is honored as the father of the celebrated Hon. Robert J. 
Walker " of Mississippi," lawyer and statesman ; also of the lady 
author and poet, Martha Walker Cook, who was born in Bellefonte, 
and who became the wife of Gen. Wm. Cook of New Jersey. This 
lady, in addition to other literary labors, was for some time editor ' 
of the Centinental Monthly, magazine, and translated Lizst's Life of 
Choppin.- 

On the occasion of the death of Hon. James Burnside, proceed- 
ings were held in court at August term, 1859, when A. G. Curtin, 
Esq., delivered a inost eloquent address, especially reviewing the 
judiciary of this district. Of the earlier judges, Riddle and Walker, ' 
he said : "Although the county and court are still in their youth, 
and there are men now living who saw those eminent men on the 
bench, they seem to have lived and exercised their judicial func- 
tions in a remote antiquity. The records of these courts, which j 
should preserve their learning and wisdom, arc rarely opened, even •• 
by lawyers, and the traditions which hold their names and times in 
remembrance are rapidly fading into forgetful ness." 

HON. CHARLES HUSTON, 

who succeeded Judge Walker, Avas celebrated, not only as a lawyer 
but as one of the finest scholars of his day. As an evidence of his 
scholarship, Roger B. Taney, chief justice of the United States, in 
his autobiography, acknowledges himself indebted for his knowledge 
of the Greek and Latin languages to Charles Huston, who was a . 
professor in Dickinson College, Carlisle, when Taney was a student 
in that institution. He was admitted to the bar in August, 1795, 
and located for practice in Lycoming county. He says that in the 
county at the time " were only three young lawyers, adnntted the 
same year, in the eastern counties." 

He was appointed president judge of the fourth district in 1818, 



L)F CKMTliE CJOUNTV. 251 

and on tiic I7th of April, 182{), was transleiTecl to tlu> siipiviue 
c;)iirt. He was early distinguished for his acquainttiiiee with the 
land laws of the State, and after the expiration of his conunission as 
a justice of the supreme court in 1845, he conunenced the i^repara- 
tion of his valuable work entitled, A)i. J'J.i.vjij on the History and 
Nature of Original Titles to Land in the Province and State of 
Pen)i>fijlcaiila. He says of his work, " At the age of seventy-five I 
am engaged in what was planned nearly fii'ty years ago, and which 
thirty years ago I could have completed in less tinic than now and 
made it a better book." lie informs us further, that after spending 
a year u;) jn his work, and when it was ab:)ut ready for the ]))-intcr, 
" nine-tenths of it was burnt by an accidental fire from a candle." 
He continued his labor, however, under great difficulties and 
discouragements from age ami infirm health. At one time, after a 
hard day's labor, he went to bed as usual, and, altliough up to that 
period he had never been obliged to aid his eye-sight by the use of 
glasses, on awakening the next morning he found he could not read 
a word Again, after his «ight had been sufficiently restored to 
enidile him to resume work, his fingers became so distorted with 
gout and rheumatism that he was obliged to employ an amanuensis 
to do all his writing. He persevered with determined zeal, and 
c )mpleted the work in June, 1849, but a short time before his death. 
He says of himself, " I had been accustomed to labor and industry 
all my life," and seldom has the labor of a man's life been more 
valuable. While a judge of the supreme court he tells us that near- 
ly throe hundred days in each yeai- were employed by him in hold- 
ing courts, and in going to and returning from the five places where 
terms of that court were then held. 

We have a record of the pi-oceedings of members of the Belle- 
fonte bar, and officers of the court, on the occasion of the death of 
Judge Huston, at Nov. term, 1849. On motion of James McManus, 
Esq., Hon. Thomas Buriiside was appointed chaiman, and Edmund 
Blanchard, secretary. On motion of A. G. Curtin, James McManus 
and Samuel Linn were appointed a connnittee to prepare resolutions. 
The third resolution reads as follows : 



252 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

Resolved, That, as a member of the bar, Judge Huston was 
distinguished for the power of his eloquence, and won for himself 
high rank amoug the first forensic orators in the State ; and as 
president judge of this district he established a reputation for 
judiciary learning and wisdom which brightened with succeeding 
years, and which we cherish with feelings of local pride. 

As a characterization of Judge Huston we cannot do better than 
to quote from the address, before alluded to, of Hon. A. G. Curtiu, 
on the occasion of the death of Judge James Burnside. He is 
drawing a parallel between Judges Huston and Thomas Burnside : 

" Judge Huston was a man of finished education, a ripe scholar, 
and a laborious student. To him the law presented itself as a great 
science of human government, and as such it was an idol to which 
he paid constant devotion for a long, laborious professional life. 

" He had mastered the English language, and comprehended fully 
its beauties and power to convey thought. He acquired fame as an 
advocate early in life, and long before his elevation to the bench 
was acknowledged to be one of the most popular and eloquent 
lawyers in Pennsylvania," 

HON. THOMAS BURNSIDE. 

The elder Judge Burnside, who was also translated to the bench 
of the supreme court of the State, was one of the most remarkable 
men of his day. He was elected to Congress, and afterwards 
appointed president judge. He resigned that position and returned 
to the practice of his profession. He was elected to the State 
Senate, of which body he was chosen speaker. When Judge Huston 
was elevated to the supreme bench, Judge Burnside was appointed 
to succeed him, as president judge of this district. In 1841 he was 
transferred to the district composed of the counties of Bucks and 
Montgomery. On the 25th of January, 1845, he was appointed 
one of the judges of the supreme court of the State, taking the 
place of Judge Huston, whose term had expired. He died on the 
25th of March, 1851, at the residence of his son-in-law, William E. 
Norris, Esq., in Germantown. 

In the American Law Journal for May, 1851, we find an obituary 



OF CENTKE COUNTY. 



9K'^ 



notice of our subject, said to be from tlie pen of Ju(lg(> Tjewis, from 
which we quote : 

" At the bar the deceased was distinguished for liis thorough 
acquaintance with the land law of the State, and for his efficiency 
as an advocate. He was a sound lawyer, and until enfeebled by 
infirm health, was distinguished as an energetic and able judge. 
He leaves behind him, as a consolation to his surviving relatives 
and friends the rich legacy of an unblemished re];)utation for integ- 
rity in the diseharge of his official duties. We believe that it may 
truly be said of Judge Burnside that his judgments w-ere unbiassed 
by friendship or enmity, and that he was never deterred by the fear 
of consecjuences to himself from doing what he believed to be right. 
We knew him well, and can bear testimony to the noble generosity 
and great ability displayed in his practice when at the bar. In the 
day of his prime, he had no superiors in professional al)ility." 

Gov. C'urlin, in his parallel between Judges Huston and Burn- 
side, says of the latter, [See Appearance Docket of Centre county, 
for August, 1859, tribute of respect to Hon. Thomas Burnside] : 

" Judge Burnside was a man of indomitable will, and had that 
intensity of jiurpose which baffled poverty, want and iron fortune. 
He came to this county when it was comparatively a wilderness, 
without means or friends, and supi)lied the want of early educational 
training by his enei'gy and perseverance. His goodness of heart, 
and open-handed hospitality, soon surrounded him with a circle of 
steadfast personal friends, and his large and liberal views of pro- 
gress, with his lofty State pride, made him a captain of men, and 
all his mature life a ruling spirit. 

" Huston was a man of the closet, and, surrounded by the books 
which were ever his friends and companions, formed his conclusions 
and studied the most appropriate words with which to express them. 
Burnside threw himself on his strong common sense and a keenness 
of instinct which never failed to indicate to him the right from the 
wrong, and expressed himself in such language as nature had pro- 
vided tor him. The lives, character, and ])ublic works of these two 
eminent men have given to this court and ideality judicial distinc- 
tion." 

The present venerable " father of the Bellefonte bar," James 
Macmanus, Esq., furnishes the following estimate of the character- 
istics of Thomas Burnside : 

" As a lawver he was eminentlv great. His great strength of 



254 INNUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

mind, common sense and quickness of decision enal)led him to grasp 
the main points of a case. With a vigorous step and stately march 
he would clear away the rubbish of technicality and special plead- 
ing, caring only for the justice of the cause before him. The 
judicial ermine was as unspotted when he laid it aside for the habil- 
iments of the grave, as it was when he first put it on. His private 
life was as pure as his public career was noble." 

Hon. George W. Woodward succeeded Judge Thomas Burnside 
as president judge of this district in 1841, taking his seat upon the 
bench of this county at the April term of that year. He was u 
distinguished lawyer and an able judge, being also elevated to the 
bench of the supreme court. He was not a resident of this county, 
and a sketch of his life is, therefore, not within the scope of this 
article. 



HON. JAMES T. HALE. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Bradford county, Pennsyl- 
vania, on the 14th of October, 1810. He lived with his parents on 
a farm, (still owned and occupied by his brother. Major Elias W- 
Hale, several miles east of Towanda, ) working on the farm and at 
intervals attending the schools of the neighborhood, until he was 
about fifteen years of age, when his father died, and he being the 
oldest son the support of the family was chiefly thrown upon him ; 
and although young in years he was full of energy and industry, 
and, as in all subsequent undertakings, acquitted himself as head of 
the family " like a man." Some time after the death of his father 
he became the principal clerk in the prothoiiotary's office at Towan- 
da ; the duties of which he discharged for some time, with great 
credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his employer and 
the public. 

He then entered upon the study of the law, in the office and 
under the direction of his uncle, Elias W. Hale, Esq., of Lewistown, 
Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. He was a diligent student, and on . 
the 28th of February, 1832, was admitted to the bar at Lewistown 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. . 255 

In 18o5 lie moved to Bellefuiite, where, on the (ith of May, 1835, he 
married ^Eiss Jane W. Huston, daughter of the Hon. Chas. Huston^ 
associate justice of the su})reuie court of Pennsylvania. He entered 
Avith energy and great industry upon tlie practice of the hxw, and soon 
attained a full share of the business in his profession, and rai^idly 
rose and occupied a |)roniinent and leading position at the bar. 
He continued his practice in the courts of Mifflin county, and also 
attended the courts in the counties of Clearfield and Clinton. He 
Avas engaged in the trial of all the principal causes tried in these 
several courts for many years, until the 10th of April, 1851, when 
a vacancy occurred in wdiat is now the twenty-fifth judicial district, 
whereof he was appointed president judge by Gov. Johnston. He 
presided in the several courts of the district until the 1st of Decem- 
ber, 1851, when his commission expired, and he was succeeded by 
the Hon. Alexander Jordan. He occupied the bench but a short 
time, but during that brief period discharged the arduous duties of 
president judge with such promptness, dispatch, ability and impar- 
tiality, that he achieved such popularity and renown as a clear- 
headed and excellent judge as is rarely attained by men who occupy 
the bench for longer terms. After retiring from the bench he 
resumed his profession', in which he continued in full and successful 
practice in the several counties of Centre, Clearfield, Clinton and 
Mifflin until about 1856, when he had become so largely engaged in 
otlier enterprises that he was, to a great extent, obliged to abandon 
the active duties of the profession. Having become interested as 
])art owner in a large body of timber and coal lands in the counties 
of Cambria, Centre and Clearfield, known as the Philips' estate, 
Avhose value, development and availability depended chiefly upon 
railroad communication, he embarked his means, industry, energy, 
and financial skill, in the building of the Tyr>)ae and Clearfield 
Railroad. In 1856 he was elected president of the company and 
continued in that position until 1860. During that period, notwith- 
standing the financial crisis of 1857, through his indomitable energy, 
enterprise, industi-y and financial ability, and the application of his 
own means, the road was, through much difficulty and many end:)ar- 



256 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS' 

rassments, graded, and so far advanced towards completion, that it 
was in a year or two afterwards finished and equipped and put in 
running order ; and that important branch and feeder of the Penn- 
sylvania Central Railroad opened up and made available the rich 
timber and mineral wealth of parts of Cambria, Centre and Clear- 
field counties. After he retired from the presidency of the company 
he was continued a member of the lioard of directors until his death, 
taking an active interest in its management and success. Whilst 
many of those who have been enriched and made great by means 
of that railroad and its immense traffic, may not know, or have 
forgotton the trials and tribulations through which Judge Hale 
passed in its construction, and the great debt they owe him, the road 
will remain a monument to his enterprise, energy, perseverance and 
skill, more durable than granite. 

In politics Judge Hale was an ardent Whig and high tarift' man. 
He always took an active part in the political issues of the day — 
was a successful advocate of the principles of his party, and a 
popular stump speaker. When the Whig party passed out of ex- 
istence he united with the Republican party, and in 1858 was 
elected to the 36th Congress from the Eighteenth district, composed 
of the counties of Mifflin, Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Potter and 
Tioga. He was re-elected in 1860, from the same district, to the 
o7tli Congress. In 1862 he ran as an independent candidate, and 
was again elected, over his competitor, the Hon. Wm. H. Armstrong, 
the regular Republican nominee — -from the same district — which 
W'as still largely Republican. During the 36th and 37th Congresses 
he was a member of the committee on claims, then esteemed third 
in rank in the House of Representatives. During the 38th Con- 
gress he was chairman of the same committee. At the close of the 
session, on the 4th of March, 1865, he took his family to Philadel- 
phia, where, after attending to some private business, he left them, 
and returned to Bellefonte, and at once engaged in professional 
work — tried several causes at a special court, held by his Honor 
Judge Pearson — and, though not being well, he argued a cause with 
great force and ability on Friday, the 31st of March. The day 



OF CENTUK COrXTY. 257 

fdllowiiig ho was (|uito sick, and coiitimiod growing worse until 
the following Thursday evening, the (itli of April, 1865, when he 
died. He was buried in the ccniet(n-y at Bellcfonte, where a 
chaste and handsome nionuuK'nt, of Italian marble, was erected to 
liis memory. 

His congressiojial career included all the exciting, gU:»omy and 
terrible years of the late rebellion. He was jierfectly loyal, but \ 
conservative — vigilant and attentive to the interests of his constit- 
uents — gave nuich of his time, sympathy and pecuniary aid to the 
soldiers, especially, but not exclusiA^ely, to those from his own district. 
\\niilst he was not much of a speech-maker, and n:ver talked for 
buncond:)e, he was always industrious, a hard worker, and an emi- 
nently useful member. His relations with the members of President 
Lincoln's Cabinet were of the most amicable kind, and with the 
president himself, for whom he had great admiration, he was on 
the best and most intimate terms. 

Judge Hale possessed a bright intellect, a remarkably tenacious 
memory (never forgot a legal principle, or a reported case he had 
read), and an intuitive knowledge of the law, was quick in his percep- 
tive powers, always ready, and, as it has been said of him, " Was a 
lawyer without a book or an office." In the trial of causes he was 
cool and calm, amiable and scarcely ever ruffled in temper, or dis- 
concerted by any turn the case might take. If a witness betrayed 
him and testified contrary to his expectations, he was so exceedingly 
adroit in evading its effect that from the placidness of his ex- 
pression and smiling face, one would have supposed it was just what 
he wanted. His equanimity of temper, and self-control, always gave 
him vantage ground over his competitors and rivals at the bar, and 
influence with jurors — before whom he argued causes wdth great 
power and effect. He was a man of rare common sense, which 
enabled him to take in the facts of the case as by intuition, and 
avoiding technicalities would go directly to the merits ; and by his 
commanding presence, pleasing address, persuasive manner, simple 
but forcible diction, and withal sound argument, was sure to carry 
the court and jury with him. 



258 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

So great was his power in grasping the main })oints of a case at a 
glance that it was a subject of common remark among his brethren 
in the profession that if an important and intricate cause was about 
being called for trial, and Judge Hale was retained on his way to 
the court house, he would enter at once upon its trial without 
preparation, and seemingly know more about the case and be better 
acquainted with all its details — the governing facts and the law 
applicable thereto — than the counsel who had been in it from its 
inception and made special 2^1'epa ration. 

His academical advantages and early literary culture were meagre. 
But whilst he was not a classical scholar, he was well informed on all 
the living issues of the day and in the world's history, was fond of 
poetry, and could repeat from memory whole cantos from Scott 
and other standard authors. He was eminently a self-made man. 
In the qualities of a sound judgment, powers of judicial discrimina- 
tion and intellectual ability he had few superiors, and not many 
equals. If his application to books had been equal to his other 
powers, he would assuredly have stood in the very first rank of his 
profession. But his mind was too fertile, and his industry too active 
to be much of a book-worm. 

Judge Hale had strong religious convictions. He Avas a devoted 
member of the Protestant Episcopal church, in whose welfare he 
took a lively interest. He was the leading member and principal 
supporter of the church at Bellefonte, and foremost in every under- 
taking that tended towards its advancement. Was the' superin- 
tendent of its Sabbath-school for a score or more of years, and when 
the congregation was without a pastor, which \\"as of no unusual 
occurrence, he conducted the worship in the church by reading the 
church service li'om its Book of Prayer, and a printed sermon from 
the work of some accepted divine of acknowledged orthodoxy. He 
was temperate in his habits, a member of the Washingtonian Society 
in its palmiest days, and a strenuous advocate of total abstinence ; 
a man of truth, and exemplary in his daily walk and conversation ; 
a truly Christian gentleman — one of " nature's noblemen," and "an 



OF CKNTRK COITNTY. 259 

honest man, tlic noble.^-t work of Ciotl." He wa.« liberal and gener- 
ons to a fanlt. 

He was a publie-spirited citizen — manifested an interest in and 
contributed of his means towards all i)ul)lic enterprises. He was 
kind to the young members of the bar — giving them words of en- 
couragement, good advice, and such assistance as is always appreci- 
ated by worthv young men, who are struggling to overcome the 
difficulties which beset the youthful practitioner's way. He was a 
true friend of and genei'ous to the poor — a good husband, and a kind 
and indulgent father. He was of a most genial disposition — fond of 
home — 

"Where blend the ties that strengthen 

Our hearts in hours of grief — 
The silver links that lengfihen 

Joys visits when most brief." 

Always amiable, bright, cheery and hapjjy, when surrounded by his 
family and friends, and had the faculty of making others equally 
happy in the family and social circle. 

AVith the companion of his youth and manhood he had seven 
children — five of whom survived him— three sons and two daugh- 
ters. Two )f the sons have since followed him to that " bourne 
whence no traveler returns." One son, the two daughters, and his 
widow, still survive. 

" His life was gentle, and the elements 

So moved m him, that Nature might stand up 

And st-y to all the world, this was a man " 

[This sketch of the life and services of Judge Hale was prepared 
bv Adam Hoy, Esq., a member of the bar of Centre county, and 
who wa^ for some time associated with Judge Hale tis his law- 
partner.] 

Hon. Alexander Jordan, who presided for a short period over the 
courts of this district, and was for a long time president judge of 
an adjoining district, was also not a resident of the county. 



260 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

HON. JAMES BURNSIDE 

Was the son of the still more distinguished Judge Thomas Burn- 
side, and passed nearly his whole life in this county, where he was 
born in 1809. Receiving his preparatory education at Bellefonte, 
he entered Dickinson College, and graduated with distinction in 
1828. He then returned to Bellefonte and read law in the office of 
his father. Being admitted to the bar, he removed to Dauphin 
county, but after a short absence returned to Bellefonte and con- 
tinued the practice of the law in this and the adjoining counties 
until his appointment as president judge of the district, by Gov. 
Bigler, in the spring of 1853. At the ensuing State election in Oc- 
tober, of that year, he was elected without opjwsition, and continued 
to hold the position of president judge until his death, which 
occurred in 1859. He was killed by being thrown from a carriage 
at the corner of High and Spring streets, in Bellefonte. 

Gov. Curtin, in the address from which we have already so 
extensively quoted, says of him : 

" He was a man of great kindness of heart, pleasant in his social 
relations, and practicing the liberal hospitality to which he had 
been accustomed in his father's house. The resolutions express the 
truth when they declare that he was an affectionate and kind hus- 
band and father. He was fond of the judicial office, and as he was 
always happy in his domestic and social relations, enjoyed life." 

On the death of Judge Jas. Buriiside, Hon. Jaines (lamble was 
appointed by the governor as president judue of the district, but at 
the ensuing election Hon. Samuel Linn was chosen by the peoj)le. 
Judge Gamble, however, was afterwards elected president judge oi" 
the Lycoming county district, and served a full terra as such. 



OF CKNTUJO COUNTY. a2CA 



HON. SAMUEL LINN. 



, Among tlie most prominent and sueeessi'ul practitioner.s at the bar 
of Centre county, within the last thirty years, a[)pears the name of 
the Hon. Samuel Linn, who is still living and now resides in the 
city of Willinmsport, in the enjoyment of an extensive practice in 
the line of his profession. 

Judge Linn is the fourth sou of Rev. James Linn, D.D., who was 
for more X\\x\\\ half a century the pastor of the Presbyterian church 
of Bellefontc, and was born on the 20th day of February, 1820. His 
mother w\as a daughter of James Harris, one of the proprietors of 
the town, and a lady of great excellence of character. She died 
when the subject of this sketch was but two years of age, and hence 
his subsequent training was in the hands of his father, than whom 
there were few better qualified for the task of imparting such 
instruction as would be calculated to develoj) thc' latent ability and 
talent subsequently displayed .by his son. In eai'ly life he mani- 
fested a taste for mechanics as a science, and had he been led to 
pursue this as a calling he would doubtless liave excelled. In 
pursuance of this inclination, and being somewiiat restive during the 
progress of his education in the primary schools, when only fifteen 
years of age he went to tlie Ptate of Ohio witli hi'^ uncle James D. 
Harris, who was the principal engineer of the Pennsylvania and 
Ohio canal, extending from New Castle to Akron. 

After remaining about six months in that locality, he returned and 
went with Mr. Harris to Towanda, in Bradford county, where he 
sought and obtained employment with a cfU'ps of engineers who wei-e 
then engaged in exploring a route for the North Branch canal 
beyond Pittston, nov; the site of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. He 
continued in this position for about five years, and, although a mere 
strii)ling, earned an envialile reputation, and one wliich would have 
done credit to many others m(n"e advanced in this vocation. 

As an instance of his ingenuity and mechanical turn of mind, it 
may be stated that, at the age of thirteen, he contrived and com- 
pleted, with some assistance, a steam engine, which evidenced his 



6262 



INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 



peculiar faculty in this regard. What became of the engine, and 
whether it was ever placed upon any of the railways of the country 
is unknown. It is probable, however, that, being only intended as a 
model, it may have been of too narrow a giuigc for practical pur- 
poses. At all events nothing is heard of his further pursuit in this 
direction. It might not be out of place to observe that a reminiscent 
of the present day asserts that about that jjeriod an experiment with 
a steam engine resulted disastrously on the trial of its powers. The 
projector, who was a young man, and who felt great confidence in the 
successful working of his machine, but had a very limited experience, 
concluded to put it to the test in his father's kitchen, adjoining and 
separated from another room by a board partition. Shortly after 
the " firing up " an explosion occurred, which caused the sudden 
removal of a portion of the partition, and a considerable confusion 
throughout the room, but fortunately with no serious accident to the 
individuals who were present. Of conrse it is not supposed, nor is it 
positively assumed, that this event has any connection whatever with 
the structure referred to above, but being in this line of thought it 
may not be considered inappropriate. It is admitted that the coinci- 
dence, both as to time and place, is remarkable, and if the reader 
should by any means conclude that the occurrence was applicable to 
the identical machine constructed by Samuel Linn, it will not have 
been the fault of the writer, as he has nowhere said so expi'essly — 
but rather the reverse. 

As years increased, his mind was turned to the law as a profession, 
the study of which he commenced Avith Bond Valentine, in 1844, 
and, after having attended the law school of Judge Reed at Carlisle, 
he returned to Bellefonte and pursued his course of reading with 
James T. Hale, and was admitted to the bar of Centre county in 
January, 184.3. He inunediately attracted the attention of his 
fellow members, and of the comnumity in which he resided as well, 
and, as a consequence, at once took such a high grade in the practice 
as gave certain promise of future succ(!ss. 

He opened an office in Bellefonte and continued until 1847, when 
he formed a partnership with James T. Hale, Esq., which was 



OF CKNTllK COUNTY. ^263 

difi.solved on the appoiutiiieut of Mr. Hale to the judgeshi]) of the 
Tweuty-fiftli judicial district, in 1851, wluni lie resumed the practice 
in his own name. In 1856 he associated with him W. P. Wilson, 
Esq., and continued until 1855), when he was elected president judi^e 
of the district composed of the counties of Centre, Clearfield aiid 
Clinton. He remained on the bench until 1868, Avhen, owing to ill 
health, his taste for the profession, and his desire to resume the 
practice, he resigned, and formed a copartnership with A. O. Furst, 
Esq., which extended until 18(57, when he settled in Williamsport 
and again entered into partnership with Hon. Wm. H. Armstrong 
— composing the firm of Ai'insti'ong & Linn, which is still in 
existence. 

Jvidge Linn, previous to his appointment as judge, prepared a 
work of great merit which is now found in the library of almost every 
lawyer, entitled Linn's Anali/ticdl Index, which has proved of great 
advantage and assistance to the profession in the preparation of 
causes — indeed it is considered almost indispensable for this purpose. 

His re])utation as a land lawyer is extensive, and is superior to 
most and inferior to few in the country — investigations of this kind 
being more suited to his turn of mind, which is eminently a legal 
and discriminating one, than any other branch of the practice. As 
a consequence, he is retained in the interest of many large and 
imjiortant suits pertaining to land titles, not merely at home but in 
other and distant counties throughout the Rtate. And this nuiinly 
arises from the fact of his })eculiar faculty in preparing the required 
briefs, and his intimate knowledge of the authorities and the land 
law of Pennsylvania. His written legal opinions are highly prized 
and esteemed as reliable and trustworthy, owing to the fact of liis 
legal acumen — and are frecpiently solicited. 

Being a resident of Williamsport, where the sittings ot the U. S. 
courts are held for the trial of causes in the district, he is also 
frequently engaged as counsel, and has attained such a familiarity 
with the proceedings of these courts as renders him of much service 
to interested parties. 

He has uniformly been considerate and kind to the younger mem- 



f/264 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

bers of the liar, and as the opportunity offered has been pleased to 
afford them the advantage of his advice and counsel. He is strictly 
honorable, and, while faithful to his clients, is never disposed to take 
an undue or unwarrantable technical advantage of his opponent. 
Socially he is highly esteemed by ■ his acquaintances, and few men 
have a greater and more happy faculty of relating an incident for 
the entertainment of his friends with the same zest and effect, his 
conversational powers being of a high order. 

As is frequently the cafe with superior men in any department, 
Judge Linn is modest and unassuming, and, in the opinion of his 
friends, greatly underrates his own ability. 

It is proper to remark that Judge Linn is a member of the 
Presbyterian church, with which he united when a law student at 
Carlisle,'under the ministration of the Rev. Dr. Alexander T. McGill, 
in 184L Subsequently he was elected to the ofhce of the eldership 
at Bellefonte, where he performed the duties appertaining thereto 
with great acceptance to the church, having frequently represented 
the congregation in the higher courts. He w'as married to Miss 
Augusta Moore of Carlisle, December 1, 1847, by whom he has had 
seven children. 

[The foregoing sketch of Judge Linn was prepared by his life-long 
friend and admirer, E. C. Humes, president of the First National 
Bank of Bellefonte.] 



OF CENTIIE COUNTY. 261 

Jii(lu-e Linn rcsii^ned b3forc tlio expiration of his term of office, to 
coni])Iete wliicli Hon. Joseph B. MeEnally of Clearfield county was 
appointed, and coniniissioned on the second Monday in July, 1808. 
He served until the first Monday in December following-, when 
Judge Mayer, who had been chosen by the people at the preceeding 
fall election, took his seat. Judge MeEnally is at present a 
successful practitioner of the law in Clearfield county. 

Hon. Chas. A. Mayer was commissioned president judge of the 
district in December, 1868. He is a resident of Clinton county, 
where he had won a distinguished position at the bar previous to his 
election as judge. His term of office under that commission is 
nearly concluded, and although, as a non-resident of this county, we 
are precluded by our plan from giving a sketch of his career, wc 
cannot forbear to remark that there is scarcely a more efficient or 
popular president judge in the State, or one whose future career is 
more promising. 

HON. JOHN H OLDEN OEVLS. 

Judge Orvis is the first additional law judge of this district, and 
has still the most of his ten years' term to serve as such. 

He was born in Sullivan township, Tioga county. Pa., February 
24, 1835. In September, 1847, he removed to Howard, Centre 
county, where he became domiciled with his half-brother, Orrin T. 
Noble, Esq., now of Lock Haven, and where he attended the connnon 
schools of the vicinity. He taught a common school in Howard- — 
now Curtin — township, in the winter of 1850-'51, being then but 
fifteen years of age. In the spring of 1851 he went to Baltimore, 
Md., where he leaimed the trade of printer in the office of R, J. 
Matchett. He next went to Chester county. Pa., in 1853, where he 
worked for a while in a printing office, and attended a term of the 
New London academy, under Prof AV. F. Wyers. He continued to 
work at his trade of printing during the summer seasons, and to 
teach school winters until February, 1856, when he was admitted to 



262 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

the practice of the law at Lock Haven, Pa., having studied under 
N. L. Atwood, Esq. He now entered upon the practice of his 
chosen profession, which he continued, at Lock Haven, until 
December, 1862, when he removed to Bellefonte, where he has since 
resided. 

As a lawyer, he was extremely successful, and soon rose to the 
front rank of his profession. In 1872 he was selected by his party 
as their candidate for representative in the State Assembly, and was 
elected by over five hundred majority. He was re-elected to the 
same position in 1873, by a majority of seven hundred and sixty- 
seven. An act having been passed by the Legislature allowing an 
additional law judge to this district, Mr. Orvis, while still a member 
of the Assembly, was appointed to that position by Gov. Hartranft. 
This appointment of a political opponent was a graceful recognition 
both of the fitness of the appointee for the position, and of the wish 
of the people of the district. This latter fact was demonstrated at 
the election held in the fall of 1874, when Judge Orvis was chosen 
for the full term by a majority of two thousand six hundred and 
thirty-four votes. 

As will be seen, from this brief mention of the leading events of 
his life. Judge Orvis is a self-made man, and his early struggles and 
deprivations have set their stamp upon his character. He is one of 
those who have " achieved greatness," both of mind and position, 
and almost solely by his own unaided efforts. He is peculiarly self- 
reliant, and possesses a strength and force of mind and character, 
attained by but few. As lawyer and judge, he has ever been 
remarkable for the quickness of his perceptions, and the almost 
unexampled retentiveness of his memory, which preserves every 
fact, and often every figure — even when there are many of them — 
which it is important to recall for the full elucidation of a case, and 
that without the aid of notes or momoranda of any kind. He has 
a way of going to the heart of a cause, and setting it in the clearest 
light before a jury, with whatever mass of extraneous matter it may 
previously have been obscured. He has an excellent command of 
the best and most forcible language, and his speeches, and judicial 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 263 

charges are delivered almost without pause or hesitation, and are 
remarkable as well for the clearness of the thought, as the elegance 
and purity of their diction. 

In the prime of life, it is hardly proper to say of our subject as 
much as could and will be uttered at the close of his race, even as 
to what has already passed, but his many friends and hosts of 
admirers believe that he is really just fairly started upon the bril- 
liant and useful career to v»'hich he is destined. 

COUNTY OFFICERS CONNECTED WITH THE 
COURTS. 

Associate Judges. — James Potter, commissioned October 20, 1800 ; 
John Barber, October 22, 1800; Adam Harper, December 1, 1800; 
Robert Boggs, December 2, 1800 ; Isaac McKinney January 8, 
1819 ; Jacob Kryder, December 10, 1827 ; William Smith, 1841 ; 
John Shafer, 1841 ; John Hasson and Samuel Strohecker elected in 
1851 ; William Burchfield and Henry Bariihart, 1856 ; Samuel H. 
Stover and John S. Proudfoot, 1861 ; John Hosterman and William 
Allison, Jr., 1866 ; W. W. Love and Henry Dopp, 1871 ; John 
Irwin, August, 1876; John Divens and Samuel Frank, 1876. 

Deputy Attorney Generals. — Thomas Burnside, January 12, 1809; 

William W. Potter, ; David W. Huling, 1818 ; Gratz Etting, 

July 17, 1819 ; James M. Petrikin, ; Ephraim Banks, ; 

James McManus, 1830, 1833 and 1839 ; B. Rush Petrikin, 1845 ; 
James T. Hale, 1849. 

District Attorneys, elected by the people. — Jas. H. Rankin, 1850 ; 
do. 1853; do. 1856; John H. Stover, 1859; Wm. H. Blair, 1862; 
Henry Y. Stitzer, 1865 ; do. 1868 ; John F. Potter, 1871 ; J. L. 
Spangler, 1874 ; D. F. Fortney, 1877. 

Prothonotaries. — Richard Miles, October 22, 1800 ; Jno. G. Lowe- 
ry, 1805 ; do.'1808 ; John Rankin, February 2, 1818 ; .Ino. G. Lowe- 
rv, February 8, 1821 ; John Rankin, January 22, 1824 ; William 
L. Smith, March 3, 1830; James Gilliland, March 23, 1831; Geo. 



264 i:NDusTr.iEs and institutions 

BiKhahaii, January 12, 1830; Charles Carpenter, elected in 1839 ; 
do. 1842; John x/Honver, 1845; do. 1848; do. 1851; George B. 
Weaver, 1854; John Hotter, 1857 ; John T. Johnston, 1860; Jnc 
H. Tipton, 1863; do. 1866; John Moran, 1869; Aaron Williams. 
1872; do. 1875, 

Berjister and Recorder. — Richard Miles, 1800 ; John G. Lo-.very, 
1805- Wni. Pelrikin, 1809; Franklin B.Smith, 1821 ; Wn% Petti t, 
1824; W.C. Welch, 1836; PIcnry Schultz, 1839 ; Jno. Toner, 1839; 
M. P. Crostlnvaitc, 1851 ; Jesse L. Test, 1857 ; Wni. H. Longwell, 
1860; J. Philip Gkphart, 1863. 

Regisier.—^lo\m H. Morrison, 1869 ; Win. E. Burchfield, 1875. 

Recorder. — Israel J. Grenoble, 1869; AVilliani A. Tobias, 1875. 

^7;er{^^.— James Duncan, October 28, 1800 ; William Rankin, 
October 25,1803; Roland Curtin, November 14, 1806; Michael 
Bolinger, 1809 ; Jno. Rankin, 1812 ; Wm. Alexander, 1815; John 
Mitchell, 1818 ; Joseph Butler, 1821 ; Thomas Harkncss, Jr., 1824; 
Robert Tate, 1827 ; AVm. Ward, 1830; George Leidy, 1833; AVm. 
Ward, 1836; John Thompson, 1839; Wm. Ward, 1842; Thomas 
^l. Hall, 1845; William L. Musser, 1848; Joseph J. Lingle, 1851 ; 
Mordecai Waddle, 1854; Thomas McCoy, 1857 ; George Alexander, 
1860; Richard Conley, 1863 ; Daniel Z. Kline, 1866 ; Daniel W. 
Woodring, 1869 ; Benjamin F. f^haffei-, 1872 ; Levi W. Munson, 
1875. 

THE BAR. 

In attempting to give special notices of the more remarkable of 
the members of the bar of this county, ^yho are either deceased or 
have retired from pi-actice, we have found the way beset with 
difficulties. There arc few records to which wc could refer that 
Avould give any definite information, uide.ss it could be supple- 
mented with the recollections of individuals. Of these there are 
few living whose m(>mory is really valuable iu this regard, whose 
reminiscences could be obtained, and most of these could not be 
made available during the time in which it was necessary to prepare 



OF ClOXTTvE COrXTY. 265 

tliis sketch. Altliougli thcro arc many pojAilar rumors and remin- 
iscences of tlie more distiiiguislied lawyers who have ])asse(l away, 
yet when the liistorian or annalist attempts to gather definite intelli- 
gence, he is apt to find that the recollections of most persons are 
extremely vague and general — often of almost no value whatever 
for his purpose. It has been peculiarly so in this instance. There 
are few living individuals who can give any really valuable infor- 
mation concerning the bar of the county in its most palmy period, 
and of those who might render such aid, most are either at a 
distance or have been so engaged that little ])as been obtained from 
them. 

There is an extensive and most interesting iicld of research com- 
])rising ajinecdoles, reminiscences and personal characteristics of 
celebrated lawyers of the county, with histories and descriptions of 
remarkable trials, and other matter of a similar nature. Into this 
field it was the original design of this sketch to enter, more or less 
extensively, but circumstances have prevented the writer from 
culling scarcely anything of wh.at it was believed would be found 
nuich more interesting than such material as is now furnished. It 
is hoped that some one witli more leisure and better opportunities . 
and qualifications will yet take uj) this subject and do it justice. 

There is much that miglii; bo said of the habits of lawyers in the 
olden time, when the country was new. In the early days of the 
county's history, it was customary for all lawyers in good practice 
to " ride the circuit," much after the English fashion, attending 
everv court in the district, some of them having more })ractice 
abi-oad than at home. Tiiis kind of practice, considering the times 
and the condition of the country, would naturally be productive of 
many strange scenes and experiences, a relation of which at this 
day would be extremely interesting. Then there were no railroads, 
and few public conveyances of any kind, and the lawyer frei|uently 
mounted his horse, and with his saddle-bags behind him, containing 
his wardrobe, set out, like a knight of old — or a modern country 
doctor — to right such wrongs as he was called upon to redress 
through the medium of his eloquence, his astuteness or his knowl- 



266 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

edge. Tliere is mucli that is worthy of study and admiration in the 
lawyers of that day, and in their mode of practice. It is hardly to 
be wondered at that such habits should produce the intellectual and 
moral giants Ave know many of them to have been. Their mode of 
life, as well as their high standard, would produce the kind of men 
Cicero speaks of : 

" What is so kinglike, so generous, so munificent, as to bestow 
help upon those who supplicate our aid ? To raise the oppressed, to 
save our fellow citizens from peril, and preserve them to the State? 
What, on the other hand, is so necessary as to have always the com- 
mand of weapons by which we may be protected from injury, or be 
enabled to attack the wicked, or avenge ourselves if attacked by 
others ?" — De Oratore, I, 8. 

In our country, however, the lawyer is not merely the advocate, 
after the pattern of ancient Rome, he who, according to Cato, must 
he "Vir bonus dicendi peritus." He should be that and something 
more, to be completely efficient in his profession. We have not the 
distinction of barristers and attorneys which prevails in England. 
A lawyer with us must understand all branches of his profession. 
He must not only be learned in all departments of the law, he 
should possess more or less the faculty of persuasion and the gift of 
eloquence. A man may be a fair business lawyer without being 
eloquent; the advocate — the man who is to persuade courts and 
juries — must in this country be not only thoroughly learned in the 
law, but ready of speech ; he must be, in fact, an orator. 

What wonder then that our country has placed so many of her 
leading lawyers in high positions, when such qualifications are 
exacted of them for the practice of their profession ? It would be 
far more wonderful, if she had not, than that advocates have always 
been prominent in the world's history, from the times of Demos- 
thenes and Cicero to the present. 

Yet, while many of our best legal practitioners have given their 
talents to their country's service in public positions, there are others 
again, and these we believe among the most really worthy and able, 
who have preferred the emoluments and practice of their profession 
to the more glittering, but often less really satisfying renown of 



OF CENTRE COUNTY, 267 

public official and partisan distinction. Such men practically agree 
with Judge Brackenridge when he declares : "I count therefore him 
who confines himself to his profession, till he has arrived at the 
calm of years, as most likely to consult his own happiness, and at 
the same time, the interests of the ]Hil)lic." Not that always and 
exclusively 

"The iiosi of honor it* the i)rivale station," 

for one may exercise more real and conscious self-denial and at the 
same time most benefit his fellow men by assuming leadership among 
them and directing the affairs of the State, for which he is well 
fitted. But too many are eager for the compensations and the 
factitious celebrity of public life before they are at all prepared for 
such positions as they seek, desiring only their own aggrandisement 
without reference or regard to the good of the greater number. 

That lawyers — if thorough ones — should, in general, be better 
qualified to discharge the duties of legislators, or even to fill execu- 
tive offices in civil life, is most reasonable. For, surely, it is absurd 
to presume that a man is fitted for the business of a law-maker who 
knows nothing of the laws as they exist. In no other profession or 
science — except that of statesmanship and legislation, where all 
citizens of a republic like ours are apt to suppose themselves capa- 
ble of serving— would such a thing be for a moment imagined. 
The law is a very complicated science, requiring years of laborious 
study and practice by those who are qualified by nature and educa- 
tion for the task, to master its principles and its details. 

We often hear persons of other professions — or rather those of no 
profession and of little intelligence — comj)laining that there are so 
many more lawyers than other classes of citizens represented in our 
legislative halls, and in other public positions. Who are better 
fitted to make, or to administer the law, than lawyers ? Nay, who 
else are really fitted for that business at all ? It is true that men 
may acquire a fair conception of the principles of legislation who 
are not professional lawyers. Yet such men are practically ac- 
quainted with the business they undertake, and become lawyers, in 
reality, to that extent. It is true, also, that in our deliberative 



f 



^< 



268 iXDUSTEiEs AND ixstiti;tio>'s 

assemblies it is proper that all the large classes of our citizens 
should be represented ; we do not by any means claim that no man 
should go to the Legislature or to Congress who is not a well read 
lawyer. The actual business of framing the laws, and even of 
judging of their expediency, a? respects the existing body of our 
statutes and jurisprudence, is usually, and well may be, entrusted, 
practically, to a few. Yet these should be thorough lawyers, and 
such will exercise a controlling influence in legislative bodies, from 
their superior knowledge of the details of the business in hand. A 
beautiful code of laws, we should have, indeed, should we entrust, 
for but a single term of our Legislature, the business of law-making 
to a body ignorant of the science of the law and of existing statutes 
and legal decisions! 

The fact that lawyers are and always have been verv largely 
represented in constitutional and other law-making assemblies, not 
only in our own country but in all states where such bodies have 
had an existence, is a significant fact, and one that shows the people 
generally to have had at least an instinctive impression of Avhat 
their own best interests required. 

Carlyle, in his work on The French Revolution, speaking of the 
first constituent assembly under the revolutionary regime in France, 
makes this comment : 

" Fervor of character, decided patriot-constitutional feeling, these 
are qualities ; but free utterance, mastership in tongue-fence, this is 
the quality of qualities. Accordingly one finds, with little astonish- 
ment, at this first biennial, that as many as four hundred 
members are of the advocate or attorney species — men who can 
speak if there be aught to speak." Four hundred lawyers in a 
legislative body comprising seven hundred and forty-five members — • 
or more than one-half. And a similar ])roportion of lawyers, or 
advocates, as they are there called, was found in all the law-making 
bodies of France under the Republic. 

The first Napoleon, indeed, found the free tongues and great 
ability of the lawyers of the realm an almost impassable barrier to 
his vaulting ambition, and was obliucd, to carry out his tyrannical 



OF CEMTRE COUNTY. 269 

designs, to deprive tlicin of many of their pi-ivileges. When asked 
to consent to a decree restoring to tlieni at least freedom of speech, 
he said, with characteristic velienience and arrogance, " The decree 
is absurd ; it leaves no handle, no means of acting against them. 
They arc a factious kind of jiersons — the concoctors of crimes and 
treasons ; as long as I wear a sword at my side I will never sign 
such a decree; I wish it were the law that the tongue of an 
advocate might be cut out who uses it against the government." 

The tyrant had abundant reason to hate those men whom, as he 
says, he had " no handle against," if they were permitted to use 
their tongues ; only by the sword could he completely keep them 
under, and be permitted to subvert the liberties of the people. 

This is quite enough by way of introduction to what is to be 
offered of personal sketches of the distinguished lawyers of Centre 
county. As to what the bar was at one day, these notices will give 
but a feeble idea. " When I think." said Judge Woodward in the 
Constitutional Convention, " of that picturesque and beautiful village 
of Bellefonte, and of the refined and intelligent society I found there 
in 1841, it makes my heart ache to think of the desolation death 
hath wrought there. There was John Blanchard, one of the noblest 
men it has been my good fortune to know ; and Bond Valentine, a 
genial Quaker ; and James T. Hale, a man of rare endowments ; 
and James Petrikin, a lawyer, an artist, and a wit ; and James 
Burnside, who was everybody's friend and had a friend in 
everybody." 

Of some of the more distinguished members of this bar, we find 
a brief characterization given in a paper read by James McManus, 
Esq., — who was their contemporary — at a meeting here on the 
occasion of the death of Hon. H. N. McAllister, from which we 
cannot forbear to quote : 

" It may be pardonable in me on this occasion to state that after 
reading law under the tutorage of the late Hon. Thomas Burnside, 
then president judge of this court, a judge distinguished for his 
thorough acquaintaac3 with the law, and who had no superior in 
professional ability, I was admitted to the practice of the law. At 
that time the bar of Centre county was arrayed with a galaxy of 



270 IISDUSTEIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

legal minds equal to any bar in the State. There was the kind- 
hearted, talented William W. Potter, an eminent and eloquent 
advocate, possessing a strong and discriminating mind, quickness of 
decision, just and honorable in all his acts. He was an honor to the 
profession. There was John Blanchard, a lawyer of great good 
common sense, of great energy and directness of purpose, and whose 
language was free from vulgarity ; j)ure in himself, he abhorred 
impurity in others. There was the logical Bt)nd Valentine, a rising 
star in the profession. There was the eccentric and volatile child of 
nature, James M, Petrikin. As an advocate he possessed every 
possible re(piisite. He excelled in wit and humor. His irony, 
though pungent, never galled ; it was playful and sportive, not 
malignant, nor even mischievous. Then canie Hugli Nelson 
McAllister, James T. Hale, James Burnside, shining lights in the 
jurisprudence of this judicial district ; and these seven that I have 
named, while in the zenith of their practice, were called by their 
fellow citizens to fill high and important official stations, on the 
bench, in Congress, in legislative halls, and constitutional con- 
ventions. 

:;: :;; * * -]: :\i ^ 

" Of this coterie of legal minds, only five are living, Josiah W. 
Smith resides in Clearfield, Thomas Craighead in Cumberland 
county; the Hon. Samuel Linn, your immediate predecessor as 
president judge of this court, is i)racticing law in an adjoining 
district ; the Hon. Andrew G. Curtin has retired from the practice, 
leaving me, the least among them, the only survivor of that class 
now in practice at the bar." 

BON. WILLIAM W. POTTER. 

in the palmy days of the Bellefontc bar, one of its most promi- 
nent members was W. W. Potter. He was not only a lawyer, and 
an advocate, of recognized first-class abilities, but was also remarka- 
ble for literary tastes and acquirements, and as a leader in politics, 
though generally indifferent to public position. 

He was a grandson of Gen. James Potter of Revolutionary celeb- 
rity. His father Avas for many years one of the associate justices of 
this county. The distinguished advocate Avas born in Penn's valley, 
where his grandfather and fath(n- had large possessions. He was 
born to riches, and had every advantage which his family name 



OF CENTRE COUXTY. 271 

and inln'ritance could give Iiini. Ho went through tlio course of 
study in Dickinson college, after which he read law with Judge 
Huston. While pursuing his legal studies with his distinguished 
])receptor, he liecame acquainted with the sister of the judge's wife, 
whom he subsequently married. Another of the sisters married 
Judge Thos. Burnside. These three youiig ladies, who thus became 
connected with three of the most celebrated lawyers of this region — 
two of them judges of the courts of common pleas, and eventually 
of the supreme court of the State — were named Winters. They 
were residents of Williamsport, and noted belles in their day, as 
would be inferred from their matrimonial destiny. 

Mr. Potter opened a law office in Bellefonte, where he practiced 
with the most distinguished success, soon reaching the very head of 
his profession in this and adjoining counties. He was verv earlv 
solicited to enter puljlic life, his family position, riches and great 
talents making him a desirable candidate for his party. He was 
several times asked to accept the appointment of president judo-e of 
his district, but seemed to prefer the practice of the law as an advo- 
cate and counsellor. We find it on record that the grand jurv of 
Union county petitioned the Governor to appoint Mr. Potter as 
president judge of the district, and there were many similar applica- 
tions, to which he refused to accord his assent. 

In 1832 he received the unanimous nomination of his party for 
the position of representative in the Congress of the United States, 
but peremptorily declined to be an aspirant for that position. In 
18o5 he was again nominated for a seat in Congress, and this time, 
having overcome his reluctance to enter into public life, he was 
elected by the largest majf>rity ever given in the district up to that 
time. He was re-elected to Congress in 1888, but died in October, 
1839, in the forty-eighth year of his age. Although so young, and 
so short a time, comparatively, in the councils of the Nation, he had 
gained a very high position in Congress. He was, indeed, from a 
very short time after he had taken his seat, one of the leaders of 
his party in the lower house. He was distinguished for eloquence 
and for statesmanship, and his voice was heard on all important 



272 INDUSTRIES AND INSTlTt'TIOJCS 

occasions, his fame being rapidly extended throughout the federal 
Union, The public journals and the Congressional records of that 
day, bear witness to Mr, Potter's prominence and ability, and his 
reported speeches -will be found among the most able of those deliv- 
ered at that period, when the country was represented in its princi- 
pal deliberative assembly by some of the proudest names which its 
history has to record, 

Mr. Potter died at his residence in Bellefonte, after a protracted 
illness. In an obituary notice, published at the time (Oct. 29, 1839) 
in one of the local journals — the Centre Democrat, edited by S. T. 
Shugert, Esq, — we find this characterization of the subject of this 
sketch : 

" During the sessions he represented us in the national councils, 
by his talents, clear and discriminating mind, and eloquence, with 
a" mild and gentlemanly demeanor, he gained for himself a high 
reputation, and without disparagement to others, stood at the head 
of the Democratic delegation from his native State." 

On the occasion of hi* death, the judges and officers of the courts, 
and members of the bar, convened at the house of Wm. D. Rankin, 
in Bellefonte, on Tuesday, October 27, 1889, Hon, Thomas Burn- 
side was called to the chair, James McManus, Esq., was appointed 
secretary, and John Blanchard, H, N. McAllister and James Burn- 
eide, Esq'rs, were appointed a committee to draft resolutions. We 
extract a portion of the resolutions then reported, which seem to 
have embodied the actual sentiments of the meeting, and are endors- 
ed at the present day by all those who have had an opportunity of 
knowing Mr. Potter's career and character : 

" For twenty-five years past he has been an able and judicious 
counsellor, and' an industrious and skillful practitioner of the law. 
His profession was his pride ; left with an am])le jiatrimony, no 
child of penury and want was more indefatigable and industrious in 
leo-al pursuits. He cast from him the temptations of vice and 
dissipation. He applied the powers of his strong and discriminating 
mind to become master of the laws and jurisprudence of his country. 
He succeeded, and obtained the gratification of his desh-e and the 
object of his ambition — professional excellence. At his death he 
had no superior in liis district in legal standing and acquirements. 



OF OKNTRE COUNTY. 270 

He filled as great a space in the public luind of this coniiuunity as 
any individual in it. He died in the midst of his professional 
usefulness, and at the hight of his political honors. T;) his fellow 
members of the bar he was kind, courteous and liberal. He was 
feeling and affectionate in all his domestic relations, and I'aithful in 
the performance of all his dutii's. His loss will long be felt and 
regretted. In sincerity and truth, in sorrow and in grief, we feel it 
a duty we owe to him as well as to ourselves to pay the last sad 
tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased." 

Among our older members of the bar, and other citizens, we find 
many recollections and reminiscences characteristic of both the abili- 
ties and disposition of Mr. Potter, but we have not space for them 
in this article. We think it pi'oper to say, however, that he was 
especially distinguished for his kindness of heart, that he was most 
affectionately regarded by all who knew him, and that there are 
persons now living who cherish his memory, not so much for his 
great and recognized talents, as for his exceeding benevolence and 
friendliness to all who appealed to the generous instincts of his 
warm and noble heart. 

HON. JOHN BLANCHARD. 

In a volume, entitled ''History of Congress, Biographical and Po- 
liticid," &c., by Henry C. AVheeler, and published by Harper & 
Brothers, in 1848, we find a sketch of Hon. John Blanchard, with 
the following appreciative introductory remarks: 

"A glance at the worn features and bent form of this gentleman, 
as they presented themselves to the eye during the first session of 
the twenty-ninth Congress, would have convinced an ordinary 
observer that he would soon be beyond the reach of any living 
biography which we could write. With the members of that Con- 
gress, King Death had made notably merry. A thorough-bred 
leveler, he had paid his respects to them ' without distinction of 
party,' scattering, as stubble before the wind, the deep-laid schemes 
of the politicians, and leaving the ' unfinished business,' of which 
the rules are so tender, to take care of itself * * 

" How many more victims the despot might have claimed if the 
law had not prescribed a definite period to the deliberations of the 
two bodies, it lies not within our limited vision to foresee ; but high 



274 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

on the list of tlio-o whose presence was demanded in his imperial 
court, 'pricked to die,' like certain Romans 'in the black sentence 
and proscription' of Mark Antony, seemed the name of John Elan-- 
chard of Pennsylvania. He looked as ' if any man might have 
bought the fee-simple of his life for an hour and a quarter.' Yet, 
late one night, he took the floor, feeble as he was, and forthwith 
threw the house into such a roar of laughter at the jokes he rolled 
out in quick succession, as aUiiost to leave the impression that there 
must bj something like a feint in those infirm limbs and the totter- 
ing gait which so hardly seemed to support him. From that mo- 
ment wo classed him among the living. We knew that he could not 
die. The thing wa> impossible." 

John Blanchard was born September 80, 1787, in Peacham town- 
ship, Caledonia county, Vermont. His father was one of the first 
settlers in the township, and an academy was erected upon his land, 
within a short distance of his residence. The subject of this notice 
was com[)elled to wi^rk on his father's farm during the summer 
season, and attended the public schools during the winter months 
only. After the academy was established he attended that, but his 
educational advantages were at this period confined to the English 
hranches. When he was about fifteen years of age his father died, 
leaving a family of seven children, of whom five were younger than 
John. He continued to labor on the farm during the working 
season, and to teach school in the winter months, until about twenty 
years of age. He then managed to prepare himself for the Sopho- 
more class in Dartmouth College, which he entered in the fall of 
1809, and graduated in 1812. He then removed to York, Pennsyl- 
vania, where he was engaged as a teacher in an academy, at the 
same time devoting his leisure hours to the study of the law. 
After being admitted to the bar, he removed to Lewistown, Mifllin 
county, Avhere he opened an office for the practice of his profession. 
He left that place in the fall of 1815, and located in Bellefonte, 
which continued to be his place of residence until the time of his 
death. He at once took a high position among the eminent lawyers 
who at that time graced tlie bar of this county and district. He 
was married in 1820, to Miss Mary Miles, daughter of Evan Miles, 
of this countv. 



OF (^KNTKE COUN'IY. 'i75 

He was not a [)arti.saii in pulitics, althoiiyli ho liad Ixk'Ii i)i'()U!ji;ht 
lip a Federalist, and continued to adhei'e to tliat pai-ty for a lona 
time, but eventually joined the Whic>- ])arty and supported John (^. 
Adams for jiresident. He was often solicited to enter public life — his 
recognized abilities and irreproachable character pointing him out 
as a desirable candidate. He was extremely loth to enter the 
political arena, but in 1844 consented to become the nominee of the 
Whig party for representative in Congress. Although he would 
take no part in the canvaj^s, he was elected by a majority of three 
himdred and forty-three votes, the district being composed of the 
counties of Huntingdon, Centre, Juniata and MifHin. He was 
re-elected in 1846 by a majority of six hundred and fifty. 

Mr. Blanchard lived to discharge the duties of his position until 
very near tlu^ close of his last Congressional term. A few days 
however before the close of the term he was taken quite ill, and 
immediately after the adjournment — on the fifth day of March, 1849 
— he started for home, accompanied by his wife and his son Edmund. 
The party — who were afterwards joined by Gen. S. Miles Green and 
Abram S. Valentine— proceeded on their way as far as Columbia, 
Pa., where Mr. Blanchard became much worse, and where he died 
on the evening of the day of his arrival The remains were taken 
to Harrisburg, where, the Legislature of the State being in session, a 
committee of that body was appointed to meet the body at the 
railway station and accompany it to a hotel. It was then brought 
to Bellefonte, and interred in the beautiful cemetery at this place. 

On the first day of April term of court, 1849, the proceedings of 
a meeting of the members of the bar and officers of the court were 
presented by James Burnside, Esq., with remarks from which we 
quote : 

" Since the last term the senior member of the bar of the fourth 
judicial district has departed this life. Mr Blanchard has been, the 
greater portion of the last four years, in the councils of the nation, 
but for the thirty years previous there were few cases of importance 
tried in this district in which he was not one of the counsel. It is 
not the language of eulogy, but the words of sober truth, to say that 
no client could have a more able, zealous and devoted advocate. He 



276 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

was an ornament to his profession, and that his mantle may descend 
upon his brethren cannot but be the wish of your Honors, to whom 
his integrity and ability were too well known. 

" The members of the bar and officers of the court met on the day 
of his funeral, and in the resolutions which they requested that I 
should present to the court have manifested their feelings of respect 
and regard for their deceased brother," &c. 

On receiving the resolutions presented, the court — Judge Wood- 
ward — said : 

" With deep sensibility the court entertains the motion to place 
on record the proceedings of the bar in relation to the death of Mr, 
Blanchard. The resolutions of the bar, and the observations with 
which they have been introduced to the notice of the court, do 
not exaggerate the virtues of the deceased. We knew him well, 
whether in the social circle, in professional relations, or in public 
life, as a husband, father, friend — as a scholar and a lawyer, as a 
leo-islator and a statesman, he earned a fair title to the eulogy which 
the gentlemen of the bar would record to his memory. Speaking 
of Mr. Blanchard in this place, the mind recurs chiefly to his pro- 
fessional character, and it is with melancholy pleasure we remember 
his varied and exact learning, his terse and luminous address, his 
occasional though genuine humor, his fidelity, as well to the court 
as to his client, and that manly bearing and sterling integrity which 
won from a reluctant world the soubriquet of ' Honest John Blan- 
chard.' Glad that the bar of the Fourth district for so long enjoyed 
the light of such an example, we grieve that it has at length been 
extinguished in death. AVe place on record this merited memorial, 
not only to honor the dead but to encourage the living; and as 
generation comes chasing after generation, like the waves of the sea, 
we hope that the purity of this recorded example may make its just 
impression upon the young minds, and lead them to place high their 
standard of professio-ial morals and attainments." 

Mr. Blanchard is at present represented in Bellefbnte by his two 
eons, Edmund and Evan M. Blanchard, who are engaged in the 
Buccessful practice of the law. 

For what follows we are indebted to the kindness of his Excellency 
ex-Governor A. G. Curtin, who was for several years a law partner 
of Mr. Blanchard, and who is no doubt better qualified than any 
man living to do justice to the talents and the character of one 
whom he confesses to have admired tis a man and loved as a friend. 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 277 

In the foregoing biograi)liy llie leading events in tlie life of Mr. 
Blanchard are correctly stated, but it is so incomplete that in justice 
to his meniory it is proper that more should be written of him in a 
book of this character. 

The academy at York, Pa., when Mr. Blanchard ^vas a teacher, 
was at that early j)eriod one of the foremost and most ]^o})ular 
institutions in the State. James Merrill, who settled in Union 
county. Pa., and for nuiny years a leading nuMubcr of the bar in that 
and tlie adjohiing counties ; Amos Kendall, who removed to Ken- 
tucky, where he attained distinction and was i)ostmaster general in 
the admini^-trafion of Pres't Jackson ; and Thaddeus Stevens, were 
all instructors in the academy at different periods and were admitted 
to the bar in York. They were from the same town in Vermont 
and graduates of Dartmouth college, and of them it can be truly 
said that they were the artiHcers of their own fortunes and distinc- 
tion in life. 

After his removal to Bellefonte Mr. Blanchard did not sutler the 
probation generally incident to the commencement of i)rofessional 
life unassisted by i'amily connections, influential friends (jr other 
adventitious circumstances. Pie very soon attained to a full share 
of practice which continually increased and extended into Plunting- 
don, Mifflin and Clearfield counties, in all of which he attended the 
regular terms of the courts. Pie was never physically strong, and 
the demands made upon him in his professional duties, his indus- 
trious habits and close application to study gradually wore aw^ay his 
constitution, and it can be truly said that for many years he was 
rarely free from i)ain and was not blessed with one day of perfect 
health. 

Naturally a man of retiring habits and disposition and trained to 
assiduous, persistent labor in his early life, from necessity in the 
conscientious belief that his profession demanded all his time, the 
interests of clients entrusted to him absorbed him and pressed u])on 
his inind to the exclusion of social and personal enjoynient of leisure. 
Mr. Blanchard was a thoroughly educate<l man, and it is not exag- 
gerated eulogy to say a ripe scholar. He retained his fondness for 



278 IJ^DUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

the classics and read Latin and Greek habitually in his hours of 
relaxation from professional labor. 

He was active and zealous in the cause of education and partici- 
pated in all means intended to improve and enlighten the people 
who surrounded him. In his ]n-()fcssional reading, except in the 
preparation of hi« cases for trial, he preferred books and writers in 
which elementary principles arc discussed, and had the fondness of 
the thoroughly educated and accomplished lawyer for the com- 
mon law. 

There were other phases of IMr. Blanchard's nature which were 
scarcely known except to his intimate friends. He had a keen 
sense of the ludicrous and enjoyed wit and humor with rare zest. 
Those v.'ho knew him well only realized the extent and variety of 
his literary acquirements. Remarkable for his agreeable conversa- 
tion, he was always the leader in the social circle when not too ill^ 
and then he gave real enjoyment by his knowledge of modern classic 
literature, and amused by apt and quaint illustrations of )nen and 
events of the present drawn from his well filled memory by early 
reading men and events of the past. A man of positive convictions 
on all questions that engaged his attention, Mr. Blanchard was bred 
and educated a Federalist in his political opinions and never aban- 
doned the principles of that party which he had closely studied and 
well understood. It was a high compliment to him and a just 
appreciation of his character, as well to the generosity and good 
sense of the people of the district in which he lived, to elect him 
twice to Congress, when it was well known he was an avowed 
Federalist, when the name was odious, and the party was defeated, 
disbanded, and its leaders in retirement. 

As an advocate Mr. Blanchard was persuasive, clear in his logic, 
and always truthful in his statements. In his forensic efforts he 
was remarkable for the simplicity of his language. His speeches 
were never long enough to weary the court or jury, or to lose him 
the interest of the court room. 

That he wa^ learned and truthful, and faithful to his clients, Avas 
the foundation of his professional success, is true to his memory; 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 279 

and the purity of lii,^ s;);'uil lifl', and liis integrity, gave him the 
sobriquet of "honest John Bhinehard," and more than all others 
gave him power in the foriim and influence in the community. 

Mr. Blanchard was happy in his domestic relations, and in his 
intercourse with the community where he lived, and his death made 
a void which all felt, and a memory of a bhxmeless, useful life, 
which will not soon fade. 

BOND VALENTINE. 

The record which this book is intended to contain of the life and 
character of the members of the bar who are now deceased, would 
be sadly imperfect if it failed to present some suitable memorial of 
one who stood prominently amongst his contemporaries for his pro- 
fessional ability and moral worth. 

Bond Valentine was the son of parents w'ho belonged to the 
society of Friends, and resided in Chester county. Of his parents 
the writer has not been able to acquire any reliable information, but 
judging from his life and character we can scarcely be mistaken in 
assuming that his early parental training nuist have been such as to 
carefully instil into his mind those pure principles of morality 
which were the guide and controlling influence of his after life. 
As to his early education but little is known, but, although his 
educational advantages may have been limited, yet, he was enabled 
to overcome any lack of such advantages by a careful and dilligent 
cultivation of a mind naturally strong and gifted. In early life he 
made choice of the profession of the law, and when quite a youth 
he removed to Centre County, in or about the year 1815 in company 
with his elder brothers, who engaged in the manufacture of bar iron 
at the iron works near Bellefonte, which are still being carried on 
by their sons. After being admitted to the bar he entered upon the 
practice of his profession at Bellefonte, and continued in practice 
until about the year 1841, when, although still comparatively a 
young man and in the enjoyment of a lucrative practice, influenced 
by conscientious convictions, he abandoned the profession of his early 



280 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

choice, that he might devote his life to the public ministry in the 
religious society to which he belo'igcd — the Society of Friends. 
From that time to the day of his death, his time, his talents and his 
energies were consecrated to the cause of his Divine Master, and 
although dilligent in business, in the care of the i)roperty that he had 
acquired, he was above all "fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord." 

To give a full and true ])ortraiture of the admirable character and 
life of the subject oi' this sketch is an undertaking which any one, 
even the most gifted in the use of language, might avcII shrink from, 
because of an inability to give a representation by word picture true 
enough to do justice to his subject. The artist who finds no difficulty 
in sketching a likeness wdien there are any strong, prominent points 
in the face of his subject, will meet with far greater difficulty when 
he undci'takes to place upon his canvass a fiice distinguished by 
beauty, regularity and harmony of features ; and a task as difficult 
is undertaken by the writer who attempts to portray a character as 
excellent and harnumious in all its features as that of the subject of 
this bipN;raphical sketch. The fear is that he will fail in doing 
complete justice. 

He was tv.ice married. First in his youth to Mis= Lydia Fair- 
land), a lady of strong intellectual pow-ers, a,\A who, by high culture 
and refinement, was well suited to be the companion of such a man. 
She was a lady of cultivated literary taste, but the gratification of 
such taste was not allowed by her to interfere with a strict attention 
to her domestic duties. She was truly a lady of exalted virtues, 
Avhich secured to her the highest esteem of the members of society 
with whom she associated. She died in Bellefontc in the year 1843. 
In 1846 he was united in marriage with Miss Julia Thomas, a lady 
who resided in the city of Baltimore who still survives him, and who 
by excellence of character, and rare combination of virtues, was well 
fitted to take the place of his deceased partner. 

In his private life Mr. Valentine was distinguished for honesty 
and integrity in his dealings. But that which rendered him attract- 
ive to the society with which he mingled was his genial spirit — his 
fondness for the society of the young — his keen appreciation of 



OV CKNTIIK COUNTY. 281 

lliosc social entcrtaiiiiiu'iits, wliicli <^n\v. zost to life and were live 
iroin au^lit that Y\as coiuvo or vulvar. Ho was remarkable for his 
purity of thought, and despised any atteui])t at a coarse or obscene 
iest. The man mIio venlurcd in his presence to perpetrate a coarse 
or low jest, was sure to be met by an exi)ression of his just indigna- 
tion and disgust, which was a more severe rebuke than could have 
been administered in words. No exjjression savoring of the vulgar, 
or incoi'.sistent witli triu^ refinement ever escaped Ids lips. To sum 
it all up, he was jjure in thought, pure in heart, pure in speech and 
pure in life. 

As a lawyer he very soon, after his admission to tlic bur, secured 
the confidence of the connnunity and was rewarded by a liberal 
share of patronage. Whilst h.e ac<(uired a clear and intimate 
acquaintance with the principles of his profession, he was especially 
distinguished for his i>owers of oratory. He had a remarkable 
command of language, and his addresses to the court and jury were 
distinguished not only by mature thought, but also by the happiest 
choice of words and modes of expression. Compared with those of 
hiscontemj)oraries he excelled them ail in the power of declamation, 
and having a deep feeling of contempt for meanness, criminality or 
dishonesty wherever he met them, he did not hesitate, wdien in the 
course of his professional duty he encountered men of such char- 
acter, to pour out upon them the language of scathing invective. A 
few sentences quoted from an obituary notice published in the 
Friends' Review wc cpiote here, as describing his social character in 
well chosen language: " His sterling integrity and the well kriown 
simplicity of his character, averse to mere forms, won for him the 
increased confidence and res})eci both of the community and his 
associates at the bar. As a pleader and a public speaker his 
addresses have been marked by impassioned earnestness. In the 
social circles our friend was vi>ry attractive; without reserve, 
original, genial and simple." 

Our short record would be very incomplete did we neglect to speak 
of his stern and unwavering patriotism, manifested during the 
rebellion. Notwithstanding his firm adherence to the non-combat- 



282 fNDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

taut principles of liis religious society, his enlightened |mind refused 
to be fettered by the cold letter of the precept, but on the contrary 
he recognized the claims of patriotism upon him as a member and 
citizen of the Union, and during our recent struggle against an 
armed rebellion, he sympathized deeply with the National Govern- 
ment, and no man more earnestly desired the success of her armies 
called to the field in defence of our National life. His cultivated 
mind found no difficulty in reconciling the peace principles of his 
society, with the duty to insist the efforts of rebels, who, with arms 
in their hands, were seeking the destruction of the government. He 
consequently jnanifV'sted a deep and lively interest in every thing 
Avhich was intended to sustain the Federal government. It will, no 
doubt, be remembered by many persons, as it is by the writer, the 
deep interest he exhibited in the re-election of our patriotic Govern- 
or, A. G. Curtin, whose second election occurred on the day preced- 
ing the night on which Mr. Valentine died. During the entire day 
— the 15th of October, 1863 — it was observed by many with whom 
he conversed, that he was more than usually cheerful, and deeply 
interested in the success of the Republican party. Seated at his 
fireside, during the evening, engaged in cheerful conversation with 
his wife, he was very suddenly attacked Avith some affection of the 
brain, by which hs was immediately prostrated, and during the 
night he died. AVhen, on the following morning, his death was 
announced, all those who had previously knoAvn him, felt that the 
community had sufiered a serious loss, which would be deeply felt 
by all classes of society that a good man had fallen. Thus passed 
awav one upon whom can be unhesitatingly passed that highest of 
enconiums, " he Avas an honest man." 

[For the above appreciative sketch of the career and character 
of Bond Valentive we are indebted to the pen of Ex-judge Linn.] 



or ( KNTUK COVN'IY. 283 

HON. JAMES M. PETRI KIN. 

This gentlonian, of whom Judge Woodward spoke us "a lawyer, 
an artist and a wit," died at a conij)aratively early age, yet not 
before he had distinguished himself at the bar, and gained hosts of 
friends. Among the brilliant galaxy of lawyers of his day, who 
resided in this county, he did not live to attain the foremost place, 
but he was, and still is, reckoned as one of that band, who — so 
many coming and living nearly at the same period of time— illus- 
trated the truth of Schiller's Hymn to the gods of Hellas: 

"Never, — beriovc me — 
AiipfHr tin? immortaK* — 
Never alone." 

Although Mr. Petrikin is so well and so favorably remembered in 
this community, yet we find the same difficulty in his case as in 
others, that very little of a definite character is recalled bv those 
with whom we have talked, of his sayings and doings, and we must 
content ourselves with such meagre facts as we can find. He seems 
to have been a peculiarly brilliant man ; that word rather than any 
indicating depth of learning or research being fitted to characterize 
him, yet he was regarded as a good law-yer as well as nuich else 
that was remarkable. 

He died in Bellefonte, in April, 1S')8, in the thirty-seventh year 
of his age. In an ol)ituary notice, published at the time in the 
Centre Democrat, we fijid it said of him : 

" Mr. Petrikin, for several years, was an able and successful prac- 
titioner of the Centre county bar, and for several years represented 
this and Clearfield counties in the Legislature, where he gave evi- 
dence of possessing talents of a high ordei', and was known as a 
firm and ardent friend and able advocate of our internal improve- 
m( nt system. * * ^' * " 

'• As a lawyer, he was courteous, able and just ; as a legislator, 
hororable and patriotic; and as a citizen, amirable in his demeanor, 
and obliging to his neighbors, and as father and husband, affec- 
tioi ate, indulgent, and kind. In his death he has left numerou.s 
friends and accjuaintances who entertain deep veneration for his- 
virtues and gratitude for his services." 



284 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

The members of the bar and officers of the court met to pay 
tribute to his memory, when resohitions were prepared by James 
Burnside and Jas. Macmanus, Esq'rs. As in other cases where we 
quote the resohitions submitted on such occasions, avc believe them 
to embody an honest and intellij^ent expression of opinion — on the 
part of those best qualified to judge — of the personal and profes- 
sional characteristics of their subject. They speak of him as one 
"whose character as a lawyer and a n)an, at all times, commended 
their regard and respect," and resolved " That the varied talents of 
our departed friend will be remembered so long as we attend courts 
of justice, or entertain recollections of the many pleasant hours we 
have passed in his society." 

HON. JAMES MA CMANUS. 

This gentleman deserves a notice in this narration as the " lather 
of the Centre county bar," as he is properly styled — the oldest 
member of that bar in practice — although from the fact that he is 
still in full health and active practice, he would, by our plan, be 
denied admission into the company of lawyers who are either 
departed from this world, or at least have deserted their profession. 

He was born oi! the 17th of May, 18()(>, in Carlisle, where he was 
reared and educated. In 1824 he was entered as a student of 
Thomas Burnside, in Bellefonte, and was admitted to the bar in 
August, 1826. In 1827 he was appointed by Frederick Smith, then 
attorney general of the State, as deputy attorney general for the 
county of Clearfield. He was re-appointed to the same position in 
1828 and 1829, by attorney generals Blythe, Elmaker and Markley. 
In 1830 he was appointed, by attorney general Douglass, deputy 
attorney general for the counties of Centre and Clearfield. This 
appointment was renewed by attorney geuei-als Ellis Lewis and M. 
Dallas, in 1833, and Ovid F. Johnston in 1839. In 1844 he was 
again re-appointed to the same position by attorney general John 
K. Kane, but declined to accept. 

When Jefferson county was annexed to the fourth judicial district 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 285 

Judge Tlioinus Durnsido ;ii){)()intcd Mr. Macmainis to ])r()seeute the 
pleas of the Conniionwealth for that county. He was ai)[)()inted by 
Judge Woodward to the same position for Clinton county, when that 
county was organized, and held the office until 1842. He was 
counsel for tlie commissioners of Centre county for over eleven years. 

In 1841 he was elected to the State legislature, by a majorit}^ of 
more than eleven hundred, and served during the sessions of 1841- 
'42, but declined a renomination. In 1843 he was renominated and 
elected to the legislature, with L. W. Smith, to represent the counties 
of Centre and Clearfield. He served during the session of 1843-'44, 
but again declined a renomination. On the death of the Hon. W. 
W. Potter, he was the choice of his party to supply the place of that 
gentleman as representative in Congress for this district, but he 
declined to accept a nomination. He was once ottered the position 
of president judge by Governor Schnnk, but declined. 

Mr. Macmanus has always been an active member of his political 
party, and has often been solicited to accept higher public positions 
than any he has occupied, but has always preferred legitimate prac- 
tice of his profession to the doubtful emolimients and the certain 
cares and annoyances of political life. His reward is, that he is 
enjoying a green old age, universally respected, and, we believe, with 
much that is pleasant to remember in his past career, and little to 
regret. His position as the connecting link between the present and 
a distinguished })ast of the county's legal history, is every way an 
enviable one, and he bears his honors modestly and well. All his 
friends— and in that list is included all who know him — sincerely 
hope that it will be long before there shall be a necessity of writing 
his obituary, on which occasion much more can properly be said 
than is here recorded. 



2H6 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 



HON. H. N. McAllister. 



For a sketcli of the life of this distiiiii^uisliod lawyer we are 
indcl)te(l prineipally to a biooTaphical notiee published soon after 
his death, with proceedings of the Constitutional Convention, the 
courts of Centre county, ttc, on that occasion. This notice was 
prepared by his Honor, Judoe Orvis. 

The father of the subject of this sketch was Hon. Win. McAllister, 
who was the son of Major Hugh McAllister, a well-known j)atriot 
and officer in the war of the Revolution. Huah Nelson ^McAllister 
was born on his father's farm in Lost Creek valley, Juniata county, 
Pa., on the 28th of June, 1809. He was employed in laboring- on 
the farm during his early years and attended the schools of the 
vicinity, being also instructed in the rudiments of the ancient 
languages by the Rev. .John Hutchinson. He entered the Fresli- 
man class of Jefferson college, at Canonsburg, in 1830. He was 
distinguislied as a laborious and successful student in his classes and 
graduated with high honors in 1888. He then commenced tlu^ 
study of the law in the office of W. W. Potter, at Bellefonte. After 
the usual time spent by students in j^reparation for admissi(jn to the 
bar, he extended his researches and acquirements by attending at a 
law school theji conducted by Judge Reed at Carlisle. He Avas 
admitted to practice in the courts of Centre county Novendier 2o, 
1885. He immediately became a law partner of Mr. Potter, who 
Avas soon after elected to represent his district in Congress. This 
gave Mr. McAllister an opportunity to display any abilities or 
acquirements he might possess, and was the commencement of a 
long, laborious and eminently successful legal career. He was 
allowed no time, as is usvial with beginners at the bar, for extra 
studies and reci'eation, and a gradual induction into the laborious 
duties of prolessional employments; he came at once into I'ull 
practice, and continued so till the end of his most useful life. This 
circumstance of his fortune seems to have been entirely consonant 
with his disposition and habits. What he asked and all he required 
was an opportunity to wt)rk, -and to earn, by earnest, efficient labor. 



iiV CKNTHIO COUNTY. 2'S7 

wluit he wanted. Hon. W. W. Potter died wliile serving- liis 
constituent.-^ in Congress, and Mi-. McAllister was then left alone to 
carry on the extensive law husiness which had been ac(juired by his 
former partner and liiniself It was not nntil the year 1859 that he 
was again associated with a law partner, when Oen. James A. 
Beaver entered the tirin, and the co-jxirtnership of McAllister & 
Beaver continued nntil the death of the former. 

Mr. McAllister was always earnest in his advocacy of any public 
measures or men whose success he believed to be consonant with the 
best interests of the country; yet he was never a professional politi- 
cian, ])referring t(j devote his time and talents to attaining greater 
eminence in his chosen profession rather than to the uncertain emol- 
uments, or more uncertain distinctions of ])ul)lic ])olitical life. He 
was, on three different occasions, tendered a commission as president 
judge of his district — once by Gov. Bigler, and twice by Gov. Curtin. 
He was ap2)ointed one of the commissioners to adjust the claims of 
citizens of the border counties of the State for losses sustained dui'iiig 
the war, the duties of which position he discharged in his usual 
thorougli and conscientious manner. 

When it was resolved to amend and reform the Constitution of 
the Commonwealth, Mr. McAllister was selected by the Re])ublican 
State Convention as one of the delegates from the State at large. 
After a thorough })reparati()n, he took his seat in that body when it 
assembled, and continued one of its most thorough working mem- 
bers until his death, which was undoubtedly hastened by his arduous 
labors in the cause of cf)nstitutioiial reform. He held in the Con- 
vention the ])osition of chairman of the committee on " Suffrage, 
Election and Representation," and was also a member of tlie com- 
mittee on " Railroads and Canals." As to his labors in the Consti- 
tional ConveritiMM, and his characteristics as a man, a lawj^er, and 
a. citizen, we cannot, ])i'rha[)s, give a better idea than by making 
extracts from the various addresses by his colleagues, on the occa- 
sion of his death, which occurred in Philadelphia, May 5, 1873. 

Ex-Governor A. G. Curtin offered resolutions suitable to the 
occasion, and in moving their adoption made an address, character- 



288 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

ized by his customary eloquence and power, and also showing hi> 
high regard for the deceased, who had so long been his contemporary 
and rival in legal practice in the courts of this county. We could 
wish that our limits permitted more copious extracts from this 
eulogy, which is valuable in other respects besides being a merited 
tril)ute to the worth and abilities of the deceased : 

" Mr. McAllister never held a public station until lie appeared in 
this Convention. He had a distaste for public lile. He never would 
condescend to the means by Avhich public station is too often acquir- 
ed. His was a life of labor and industry, and with the earnestness of 
purpose v^■hich attached itself to his ])rofessional character, which 
incorporated him with the rights and interests of his clients, which 
led him to intensify all the'feelings of his nature on any public 
work in which he was engaged, in any ]jrivate enterprise, or en.larg- 
ed charity and hospitality, Mr. McAllister could not, from his 
nature, be a politician. But so great was his influence in the part 
of the State in which he lived, so entirely had he engrossed the con- 
fidence of the people in that comnuniity, that he could, at frequent 
periods of bis life, have held public station if he had been willing. 
Over and over again he was solicited to ask for office from the 
people, and more then once his friends united in importunities to 
him to permit himself to be placed in judicial stations. Once, at 
least, during his professional life he refused to be the president judge 
of the common pleas of his district, and I know full well that there 
is upon this floor a gentleman who would have been only too glad 
if his friends had presented his name for appointment." 

" Many years since, when worn down liy the constant labors of 
his professional life, Mr. McAllister conceived the idea that, in 
harmony wdth the tastes of first pursuits, his health might be restored 
by turning his attention to agriculture. He purchased a farm in 
the neighborhood of Bellefonte, where he lived, and turned his 
attention to skilled agriculture. He made that farm the model for 
all the people in the neighborhood." * * ""' 

" When Mr. McAllister, with his zeal and industry, became con- 
nected with practical agriculture, his views enlarged, and he 
conceived the idea of establishing in Pennsylvania a school where 
farming would be taught as the chief part of a complete education, 
and to him belongs the credit, in a large measure, of the establish- 
ment of, first, the Farm School of Pennsylvania, and now the 
Agricultural College, (at present the State College) ; and while 



or--- CEXTUK COUNTY. 28!) 

other men faltered and hesitated under disap})()intnienl, wheii the 
school would have failed over and over again, the energy and 
persistence of this man kept it alive, and before his death he had 
the satisfaction of seeing it in successful operation ; and there is not 
to-day, in all this great Conunon^vealth, a more successful educational 
institution than the Farmers' College of Pennsylvania." * * 

" It is, [)erhaps, no place, and this is no occasion to intrude 
private sorrow ; and yet at the risk of an impropriety, I shall be 
permitted to speak of him as my friend for many years. I was not 
his equal at the bar, but his rival, and in all the struggles of an 
active professional life, and amid the antagonisms which grew out 
of the trials which constantly occurred, in which we were opposing 
counsel, rarely, indeed, was our constant friendshij) interrupted. 
With an inclination to attract men, and a modicum of and)ition f)r 
public life, I admired in this man just the o]i])osite qualities. To 
have made himself governor or president, our colleague, who is 
dead, woidd have never turned i'rom his intensity of })urpose, his 
settled convictions of public or private duty or his well settled reli- 
gious belief In that respect I never kuew his cijual." 

Ex-Governor Bigler said : " His precise like I have never seen. 
In industry, resistless energy, positive will, passionate devotion, daunt- 
less courage, large benevolence, and tender humanity, Hugh N. 
McAllister, seldom, if ever, had an equal." 

Said Hon. W. H. Armstrong of Lycoming county : " Possessed 
of a large and beautiful farm adjoining the town of Bellefonte, 
where he lived, he applied himself with characteristic earnestness to 
its improvement. It became a model of neatness and excellence in 
all that could embellish, and improve it. He was among the fore- 
most to adopt and experiment with any implements that would 
lighten the labor of the farm, and equally prom])t to test the value 
of whatever offered by way (jf inq)roved varieties of grain or improv- 
ed modes of culture. His experiments were conducted under his 
own immediate supervision, and the results noted with characteristic 
exactness. It is said that many able papers were contributed by 
him to the reports of the National Agricultural Department, &c." 

Hon. G. W. Woodward said : " Perhaps I have known lawyers 
of more subtle reasoning faculties than Mr. McAllister possessed, 
but I never knew one who could prepare a cause so well." 



290 INEII.STRIE!^ AND INSTITUTIONS 

And Mr. Carter said : " I have known Mr. McAllister from boy- 
hood. As a man, his chief characteristic, in my opinion, was that 
of untiring energy in the prosecution of conceived duty." 

The testimony of Mr. J. M. Bailey of Huntingdon county, on a 
point more especially concerning the private character of our sub- 
ject, is not less valuable : " Whatever eulogies may be passed on 
him upon this iloor, or whatever the biographer may write about 
him, no higher tribute can be paid to his personal character and 
private worth than this, that he wa.i the idol of hi'< family. * * 

And I would rather trust to such silent testimony to a man's moral 
worth than to all the eulogies aiul panegyrics that can be pro- 
nounced." 

Hpace does not permit of farther extracts from the addresses 
made upon that occasion ; yet, surely, no apology need be given for 
the length and number of those above furnished. Each speaker who 
reviewed the character and life of the deceased seems to have had 
some new matter to present, which could aid in making a proper 
estimate of his life, abilities and characteristics. The same might 
be said of the addresses delivered in the court house at Bellefonte, 
on the occasion of the remains being removed here, when the mem- 
bers of the bar of the district met to offer their last tribute to the 
memory of this distinguished lawyer. What those who had long 
known him during his professional life, and who from their own 
occupation were best fitted to judge of his character and qualities, 
then said of him, must be more valuable to the reader, as a repre- 
sentation of the man, than any studied dissertation of the biograph- 
ical writer ; but we have space only for what follows, from the 
address of Hon. James Macmanus: 

" We have seen his assiduity, skill and fidelity in all his profes- 
sional engagements, and which gained for him public confidence; 
the iron will, the unbending firmness, the fearless courage whicli 
marked his character nuist be acknowledged by all. * * 

His very faults originated in high (jualities; jurisdiction over these, 
as over our own, belongs to a tribunal competent to decide upon 
them, by a justice so exact, a mercy so tender, as to leave nothing 
but ac(iuiescence. 



OF CKNTKK (OrXTY. 'iOl 

*' He luid as <>Teat self-possession and u'reater self-reliance than 
aiiv lawyer I ever knew; Repossessed moral and physical courage 
in a very great degree. Confident in his own course, fearing no 
(tlistaele that might be in his way, it was almost impossible that he 
should not have been imperious in his character ; never doubting as 
to what, in his opinion, duty and patriotism required at his hands, 
it was natural that he should sometimes be impatient with those 
more doubting and timid than himself. He belonged to that mark- 
ed class who are the men of their century, for it was his good 
fortune not only to be endowed with capacity to do great things, but 
to have enjoye(i opportunities of achieving them and this county is 
filled with a monument of his genius in her Agricultui-al C'oUege. 
The leading (jualities of his intellect were quickness and clearness. 
He could take up a complicattMl mass of facts in as short a space of 
time as any lawyer he has left behind him ; he could present a 
statement of a case to a jury so clear that it was not only easy to 
conqwehend but impossible to misunderstand it. He had never 
learned to waiver. He gave the subject no attention as worthless, 
or addressed himself to it with diligence, drew his conclusion, dis- 
missed the ]>rocess, and adopted the result as a fixed fact, about 
which no doubt was ever after tolerated." 

Mr. McAllister never held any pulilic office of inq)ortance, exce})t 
that of member of the Constitutional Convention. Yet, when the 
war of the rebellion broke out, he, as an earnest supporter of the 
existing administration, and a zealous patriot, exerted himself in 
securing material aid to the government. Not content with giving 
his time and means to induce others to enlist, and in aiding tlie 
families of those who were in tlie service of his country, he raised a 
company of volunteers, almost by his own sole efforts, and consented 
to serve as its captain, although he had passed the age when by law- 
he might have been exenq:)ted from military duty, and made great 
sacrifices in leaving his profession and his family. He served in 
the armv until his place could be supplied without detriment to the 
service, when he returned to his home and the practice of his pro- 
fession. From the sketch of his life, before alluded to, we extract 
the following, which will close our notice of this distinguished law- 
yer and citizen : 

" jNIr. McAllister was twice married — first to Henrietta Ashman 



292 INDXTSTRIES AND IXSTITITTIOX.S 

Orbison of Huntingdon, Pa., by whom he liad seven children, four 
of whom died in infancy, and one, Ellen C, a lovely daughter, died 
in 1866, at the age of twenty. Two daughters, Mary A., the wife 
of Gen. Jas. A. Beaver, and Sarah B., wife of Dr. Thos. R. Hays, 
both of Bellefonte, survive their father. The first Mrs. McAllister 
died April 12, 1857, and on September 12, 1859, Mr. McAllister 
married Margaret Hamilton of Harrisburg, a granddaughter of 
Captain John Hamilton, under whom his grandfather served in the 
revolution, and daughter of Hugh Hamilton. By this second mar- 
riage Mr. McAllister had no children. He leaves his widow to 
mourn her irreparable loss." 



EX- GOV. A. G. CUR TIN. 

It is not our intention to write a biography, or to attempt a his- 
tory. Our object in this instance is merely to indicate the standing 
of Mr. C'urtin as a member and practitioner of the Law at the 
Bellefonte Bar. 

As an advocate he has powers of the highest order — his argu- 
ments of facts were solid, his powers of ridiculing an adversary so 
great that he possessed the faculty in a strong degree of "laughing 
a ease out of court." His wit is considerable, his humor incompara- 
ble; his talents as an orator fii'st-rate. His skill in the cross-exami- 
nation of a witness was exquisite. He did not insult a witness ; on the 
contrary, he ti'ied to keep him in good humor, and quietly coaxed 
him into contradictions. If the evidence was very strong against 
him and difficult to be shaken, he raised a laugh either by some 
unexpected joke, or by mimicking the style and manner of the wit- 
ness. This he would introduce so suddenly and so adroitly that 
the desired effect was produced before tlie judge could interfere. 
The criterion of a speech is the effect produced on the audience to 
W'hich it is addressed. Assuming this rule to be correct, he Avas a 
most successful advocate. He carried away jurors, the bar, and the 
audience, convulsing them with laughter, or vict verm, as seemed 
most to his client's advantage. 

In the case of Miss G vs. H. and wife, case sur slander, A. (J. 

Curtin, with two other members of the bar, was the attorney for the 



OF CENTRE C:OUXTY. 203 

plaintiff. The case was tried iu 1842, wlieii he was a very young 
man. It excited much attenlioii, and the preparation, trial, and the 
argument of Mr. Ciirtin, wdio closed for the plaintiff, gave him a 
reputation as an advocate which largely contributed to his future 

8UCCCSS. 

There are numerous incidents in his professional life whicli arc 
remembered as traditions in the community in which he lived ; but 
as this book is intended especially to revive memories of the dead, 
this sketch is not as full as might be desired. 

He practiced his profession in this and the adjoining counties^ 
with uninterrupted success, until he was elected Governor in 1860, 
when he retired from the bar. 

[As a sketch of Governor Curtin's life appears elsewhere in this 
volume, iu the foregoing only his career and characteristics as a 
lawyer have been considered. As one of the Jnost prominent mem- 
bers of the bar of the district, such a sketch as this would lie 
al)surdly incomplete, did we say nothing of such a man. For this 
notice we are indebted to the pen of lion. James Macmanus, " the 
father of the Bellefonte bar."j 

GEN. >S'. MILES GL'EEN. 

As the oldest living lawyer resident in this county, who was 
admitted to practice at the Bellefonte bar. General Green deserves a 
place in this article. He was born in Milesburg, Centre county, in 
1797, studied law with Hon. Joh)i Blanchard, at Bellefonte, and 
was admitted to practice in 1821. He removed to Clearfield county 
where he was appointed deputy attorney general. Thence he went 
to Meadville, Crawford county, Avhere he remained five years. 
While there he was employed by the attorney general to conduct 
the prosecution of a man charged with the murder of a constable. 
On this trial there W'Cre a large number of counsel for the defense, 
among them Judge Baldwin, afterwards a justice of the supreme 
court. He was also engaged to defend ;i man named Burnside, who 
was indicted for murder, and who was a distant relative of Judge 



294 rxDUsTRiEs an't> institutions 

ThoiBJis Burnsidc. Tiiis man was acquitted, it was said, by bribery 
of the jury; one of the jurors confessing the fact and then com- 
mitting suicide thy day after the verdict was rendered. 

General Green then retired from the bar and married a Miss 
Dorsey, who was interested in the iron business. He continued to 
be engaged in the manufacture of iron in Huntingdon county until 
within a few years- He was commissioned a brigadier general of 
the State militia, by Governor Porter, while resident in Huntingdon 
county. He now resides in Centre county in the enjoyment of a 
vigorous old age, 

LIST OF MEMBEUS OF THE BAR WHO HA VE BEEN 
RESIDENT PRACTITIONERS IN CENTRE COUNTY, 

Jonathan Walker, - - admitted at jSTovember term, 1800. 

Charles Huston, - - - " 

Robert T. Stewart, - - " 

AVilliam A. Patterson, - 
John Miles, ... 

avid Irvine, . - - 

William W. Laird, - - " " " " 

James Dunlop, Jr., - - " 

Ephraim Bonham, - - " 

Thomas Burnside, - - " 

Andrew Boggs, - - - •' 

Walker Keed, - - - 

Andrew Dunlop, - - " 

William Norris, - - 

John Johnston, Jr., - - " 

Joseph M. Fox, - - - 

William W. Potter, - - 

John Blanehard, - - 
Duncan Stephen Walker, '* 

Geo. Latimer Potter, 

Gratz Etting, . - - " 

Bond Valentine, - - - 

John G. Miles, - - - 

Samuel M. Green, - - 

Abraham S. Wilson, - " 

James M. Petrikin, - - 



August 


U ii 


August 


" 1802. 


Api-il 
August 


' 1804. 


April 


" ' 1805. 


August ' 


■■' 1806. 


August 


■,i a 


August 


" 1811. 


April 
April 


» i8i;i 

" 1814. 


April 
April 


" 1815. 
" 1817. 


April 
August 


" 1818. 


November 


" 1821. 


April 
April 
November 




April 


" 1822. 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 295 



Josiiili W. Pnutli, 
James IMacuuiiius, 
IMatthcw D. Gregg, - 
Thomas Craighead, 
James Buriiside, 
Benjamin Patton, 
James Crawi'ord, 
James T. Hale, - - 
Eenbcii C. Hale, 
William M. Patterson, 
H. N. McAllister, - 
Andrew G. Curtin, 
John Ploffhiaii, - - 
James H. Rankin, ,- 

E. V. Everliart, 
Daniel B. Ganfield, - 
Samuel Linn, - - 
David C. Boal, - - 
D. Clinton Welch, - 
George AV. Elder, 
William P. Wilson, - 
Edmund Blanchard, 

F. J. Huston, - - 
A. V. Laurimorc, 
\>anuiel VL. Reynolds, 
W. W. Brown; - - 
R. Bruce Petrikin, 

•J. Harvfy Larimer, 
James PL Hunter, 
La C. Mitchell, - - 
William H.Blair, - 
William P. Macmanus, 
Edward H. Rogers, - 
J. Biddic Gordon, 
J. Holden Orvis, 
D. G. Bush, - - - 
Adam Hoy, - - - 
John H. 8tover, - - 
William J. Kealsh, - 
C. H. Hale, - - - 
James A. Beaver, 
C. T. Alexander, 
J. F. Riddle, - - - 



admitted 


at Aj^ril 


term, 


, 1825. 


« 


August 


a 


1826. 


a 


August 


a 


1827. 


n 


August 


<i 


1829. 


<i 


November 


n ' 


1830. 


" 


August 


<i 


1831. 


u 


November 


a 


1832. 


*i 


January ' 


" 


1833, 


(i 


August 


a 


li 


<< 


April 


a 


1835. 


<« 


November 


" 


u 


n 


April 


" 


1837. 


il 


August 


a 


1839. 


" 


January 


a 


1841. 


<< 


January 


" 


<( 


" 


Jiiiuiary 


<( 


it 


" 


January 


a 


1843. 


ii 


November 


" 


1845, 


a 


November 


" 


1848. 


" 


January 


" 


1849. 


" 


.Sej)ttniber 


• t 


1849. 


n 


November 


" 


a 


a 


November 


a 


1850. 


a 


January 


" 


1852. 


" 


November 


a 


" 


a 


April 


a 


1853. 


" 


August 


" 


li 


"■ 


November 


" 


<i 


•' 


April 


li 


1854. 


li 


Aj)ril 


a 


li 


" 


April 


" 


li 


<< 


August 


ii 


1855. 


a 


August 


a 


li 


a 


November 


it 


a 


<( 


January 


li 


1857. 


<( 


April 


11 


ii 


" 


Ai)ril 


li 


1858. 


a 


A])ril 

August 


li 


li 


<' 


November 


11 


(i 


<( 


Jaiuiary 


11 


1859. 


it 


August 


a 


" 


li 


November 


li 


(( 



296 



INDUSTRIES AND INSTiTUTlONS 



E. M. Blancliard, 
A. C. Toner, - - - 
James P. Cobiiri), 
J. Dunlop Shugert, - 
A. O. Furst, - - - 
Delaune Gra}', - - 
G. M. Yocurn, - - 
H. Y. Stitzer, - - 
Norman M. Hoover, 
,Tohn P. Mitchell, 
S. J). Gray, - - - 
Jno. Mills' Hale, - - 
JiK). G. Love, - - 
David F. Fortney, 
John F. Potter, - - 
Aaron Williams, 
Isaac Lytle, - - - 
J. Smith Barnhart, - 
D. S. Keller, - - 

C. M. Bower, - - 
Jackson L. Spangler, 
Beth H. Yociim, 
R. M. Magee, - - 
Jno. Keichline, - - 
William F. Reber, - 
Daniel H. Hastings, 
John I. Irwin, - - 
W. A. Morrison, 
A. A. Dale, - - - 
Clement Dale, - - 
Jno. Wesley Gephart, 
Wilbur F. Reeder, - 



admitted 


at Noveml)er 


term, 


, 1859. 


a 


.lanuary 


" 


18()0. 


ti 


January 


<i 


ft 


ti 


January 


a 


" 


i( 


.lanuary 


a 


1801. 


(( 


August 


" 


1802. 


n 


August 


" 


1863. 


a 


January 


u 


1864. 


u 


November 


a 


1865. 


<( 


Noyember 


a 


(. 


ti 


August 


a 


1866. 


<i 


August 


a 


1867. 


" 


August 


n 


ii 




April 
August 


i. 


1869. 




November 
November 


it 


n 


n 


.lanuary 


<•- 


1871. 


(t 


April 


" 


1873. 


ti 


November 


" 


" 


n 


Janvuiry 


" 


1874. 


" 


Ai)ril 


a 


" 


>( 


April 


a 


a 


" 


November 


a 


" 


<< 


January 


" 


1875. 


•' 


April 


(( 


K 


" 


April 


a 


U 


" 


x\ugust 


iC 


1876. 


(( 


Aguust 


(< 


" 


" 


August 


•' 


a 


" 


November 


« 


" 


« 


A])ril 


i( 


1877. 



THE LAW LIBRARY. 

By the first section of an act approved February 14, 1866, it was 
provided "that all fines imposed by the courts of the county of 
Centre and all forfeited recognizances, which, under existing laws, 
are not payable to the commonwealth of Penn-^ylvania for its own 
use, are hereby directed to be paid to the committee hereinafter 
named for the purchase of a law library to be kei)t in the court house 



OF CKNTRE COUMTY. 297 

of said (louiity lor tlic uhc of the eoui't, bai- and citizens of t-aid 

county-" 

Section 2 authorized tlie court to apjioint a committee composed 
of three members of tlie bar to receive and expend this money in the 
purchase of a hiw library. Section ."> authorized the court and 
members of the liar to make necessary rules and regulations for the 
management and preservation of the library. 

On the 2oth of April, l<S()(i, the court appointed John H. Orvis, 
Ivlmund li)lanchard and James A. Beaver, Estj'rs, a committee to 
receive and disburse the moneys arising under this act. The same 
committee was continued I'rom year to yeai' as long as the act 
remained in force. During this time the committee received and 
ex])ended ^OjlfSo.oo, purchasing lull sets U. S. Supreme Court Re- 
])(irts, iMaine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, and u 
lull set of N. Y. State Reports, down to the practical abolition of the 
common law by the adoption of the Revised Statutes in that State, 
together with a line collection of text books and digests, including 
the U. S. Digest in thirty-tliree volumes and Howell's State Trials 
in thirty-four volumes. 

The Library act waj^ rejxaled February 15, 1872, and the lines 
and pi-oceeds of forfeited recognizances restored to the county treas- 
ury. Prior to the enactment of the law in 18fi6 the county had 
realized an average of less than forty dollars a year from fines and 
forfeited recognizances during a period of forty years. During the 
time that the act was in force the cpmmittee collected over five 
hundred thJlars per year. Since the repeal of the library act the 
former practice of neglecting to ccJlect lorfeited recognizances and 
I'emitting fines is again coming in vogue, and the county will realize 
but little from the same scnirces from which the Law Library 
received over $500 a year. The library act seems to have been 
drawn in a spirit of " poetical justice," thai those who violate the law 
should contribute to purchase a libi'ary for the use of those who 
administer and enforce the law. 

Since 1872 the U. S. Supreme Court Reports, and the Pennsylva- 
nia State Reports, have been kept up by voluntary contributions 
from members of the liar. Other new and valuable books have 
been purchased and added to the library by the same means, and at 
this time the library is worth not less than $?),500. 



298 IXDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 



DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS. 



f,S has been stated elsewhere in this worlv, Centre county has 
1) produced a very large number of distinguished men as com- 
c^^pf pared Avith other sections of the State — men who have not 
only enjoyed high reputations at home, but throughout the State 
and Nation. Among the very first settlers of the county were those 
who possessed a high order of intelligence, and ranked with the 
leading men of the State. General James Potter was a prominent 
revolutionary officer, and had the entire confidence of General Wash- 
ington. He was appointed brigadier general April 5, 1777, major 
general May 23, 1782. He was vice president of the State in 1781, 
member of the Council of Censors 1784, and on one occasion came 
within one vote of being made president of the State. General 
Philip Benner, also an officer during the revolution, became major 
general of militi:i, and was twice honored with the position of presi- 
dential elector. Andrew Gregg was sixteen years a member of 
Congress, then chosen a membei' of the United States Senate, and 
afterwards appointed by Governor Heister, Secretary of the Com- 
monAvealth. 

The county has furnished several members of Congress and United 
States senators. It was represented in the Federal Cabinet in the 
person of Hon. Robert J. Walker. It has now a representative 
of the general government at Venice, Dr. John Harris. It furnish- 
ed many brave officers during the late war. A number who ranked 
as generals, and many colonels, captains, and officers of lower grade, 
who made for themselves honorable records. 



OP c'l^N-niiii COUNTY. 299 

Connected \vitl> llic history of the county arc many names of dis- 
tinction, which arc appropriately mcntioncMl in tliat portion of tliis 
book devoted to the Bench and Bar, and need not be repeated here. 

The county lias produced at least two women who possessed decid- 
ed literary abilities. Mrs. Martha Walker Cook, daughter of Juduc 
Jonathan "Walker, and sister of Hon. Robert J. Walker, was born 
in Bellefonte in 1807. She edited and conducted the Conthicntal 
Monilihj magazine, and trai^slated the life of CIia})in from the 
original of Liszt, etc. 

Mrs. Harris, wife of James Harris, Esq., was the author of a 
melaphysical work, entitled "Alphabet of Thought." This book 
was composed and written by Mrs. Harris while in the daily dis- 
charge of her household duties, and shows that the writer had a, 
mind capable of grasping subjects of great depth, and a pen able to 
present them to the world in a graceful style. 

Centre coiinty has given to the religious world a number of emi- 
nent ministers of the gospel, some of whom occupy, or have occupied, 
prominent positions as writers, travelers, &c. The present bishop of 
Oregon, the Rt. Rev. B. W. Morris, Avas, for many years, a resident 
of Bellefonte. 

Centre county has been tlie home of at least four State governors: 
William Bigler, M'ho was engaged from 18.30 to 1833, as })rinter in 
the office of the Centre Demoerrd, published by his brother John, 
at Bellefonte, was elected governor of the State in 1851, and "by a 
remarkable coincidence his own election as governor of Pennsylva- 
nia was simultaneous with the election of that brother to the same 
dignity in the new State of California." Governors Packer and 
Curtin were both born in the county. The former having his home 
within its limits till nearly reaching manhood, the latter still one of 
its honored citizens. The following biographical sketches of these 
pre-eminently distinguished citizens of the county, arc deemed espe- 
cially worthy a place in this book — without them, indeed, the work 
would be very far from complete. 



300 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

GOV. ANDREW G. CURTIN. 

Andrew Gregg Curtia was born in Bellefonte, on the 22d of 
April, 1817. His father, Roland Curtin, emigrated to this country 
from Ireland in 1793. He was a man of fine abilities, having 
received a good education in Paris, which city he was obliged to 
leave on account of the political condition of France. He was 
twice married, the second time to a daughter of Hon. Andrew 
Greo-o". The result of this marriage was seven children : one of 
them being the subject of this sketch, who received his elementary 
education at Bellefonte, afterward attending school at Harrisburg, 
and finally completing his academic course at a popular educational 
institution at Milton, Pa., under the charge of Rev. Dr. Kirkpatrick. 
Returning to Bellefonte, he commenced the study of law in the 
office of W. W. Potter, Esq., and afterwards entered the law depart- 
ment of Dickinson College as a pupil of Judge Reed, then regarded 
as one of the ablest lawyers in the State. 

In 1839 he was admitted to the bar in Centra county, and com- 
menced the practice of law as partner of John Blanchard, Esq. 
[For sketch of his legal career sec " Bench and Bar."] In 1840 he 
took an active part in politics, and worked earnestly for the election 
of General Harrison to the presidency, and in 1844 canvassed the 
State for Henry Clay. In 1848, and also in 1852, he served as 
presidential elector. 

In 1854 he wa^ urged to accept the nomination for Governor, but 
declined, and, instead, aided materially in the election of James 
Pollock, acting during tlie campaign as chairman of the State cen- 
tral committee of the party. By Governor Pollock he was appoint- 
ed Secretary of the Commonwealth, which position included the 
duties of secretary proper, and those of Superintendent of common 
schools. 

At the expiration of his term as secretary, Mr. Curtin returned 
to Bellefonte, and resumed the practice of law^ In 1860 he was 
nominated for governor and elected by a majority of ov^er thirty- 
two thousand votes; which was much larger than his most sanguine 



OF CEXTKE COUNTY. 5)01 

friends liad anticipated, con.sidirin;^' tliat his immediate i)rcdecessor, 
of ()i>})osite politics, had been chosen by a large majority. Andrew 
G. Curtin was called to the position of chief magistrate of the Com- 
monwealth "at a time v»hen the gravest problems ever presented to 
American statesmanship were to be solved. The geographical posi- 
tion of the State, added to its political inqjoriance, made the duties 
of the Executive peculiarly responsible and })erplexing." But Gov. 
C^uit'n proved equal to the emergency. When the Southern war- 
cloud burst, and the storm of battle commenced, he spoke for Penn- 
svlvania in language that inspired her citizens with unbounded 
conlidcnce in his ability and patriotism. To the government, in her 
impending struggle, he pledged the moral and material support of 
his State, and the people declared that his pledge would be redeem- 
ed. He grasped the intricate problems of the hour, and with the 
voice of a statesman uttered words of determination and Avisdom . 
During the entire progress of the war he not only stood up at all 
times, and on all occasions for the National cause, but he was ever 
miiKl!iil of the interests of the soldiers, whether on tl:e held, in th(^ 
hospital, or in the prison, winning Lhere!)y the weH-deserved title of 
" Soldier's Friend." Gov. Curtin having j^romised the volunteer 
soldiers of th.e State before leaving, and after they were in the 
armies of the country, that their widows and orphans would be pro- 
vided for, in 1868 originated and pressed thivjugh the Legislature 
the law providing schools for soldier's orphans, which have proved 
a succ:-ss, a blessing, and an honor to the State. 

In I8G0, just previous to the expiration of his term of service as 
governor he was formally offered a first-class Foreign mission, by 
Presiden: Lincoln, which he signified his willingness to accept at 
the close of his term. But, in the meantime, he was nominated for 
re-election, and again chosen governor of the State by a majority of 
over fifteen thousand votes. On the occasion of his second inaugu- 
ration a committee, composed of leading citizens of New Jersey, 
presented him " Audobon's works on the Birds and Quadrupeds of 
America," as a "token of their appreciation of the distinguished 
services rendered by his Excellency to the National Government 



o02 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITITTIONS 

during his late administration, and the able manner in which he 
defended the policy adopted for its preservation and perpetuity, 
during the canvass, which resulted in his re-election, and coupled 
with his untiring devotion to the soldiers in the field, and kind care 
of those in hospitals in his own State," 

As an evidence of the appreciation of his services as governor of 
the State, the day before his term expired, Mr. Wallace offered 
resolutions expressing approbation of his discharge of his duties, 
and the thanks and gratitude of the Senate. The re.solutions passed, 
on the call of the Senate, unanimously. On the same day, Mr. 
Rudiman of Philadelphia, offered similar i-esolutions in the House, 
which alsi) passed unanimously. 

In 18(5o he was tendered a Foreign mission by President Johnson, 
which he declined. In 1867 he was a prominent candidate for 
United States senator; and in 1868 was warndy sujiported for vice 
president in connection with General (jrant. Soon aftei- the hitter's 
nauguration he was appointed Minister to Russia, and ix'rformed 
the duties of his position not only satisfactorily to his own govern- 
ment, but became popular with the people with whom he associated 
abroad. In recognition of his eminent services as a Diploniate, and 
as a token of his personal regard, the Czar of Russia })resented him 
an elegant life-size portrait of himself. 

The letter accompanying this magnificent gift shows the exalted 
opinion held by his JVIajesty concerning its recipient. When it 
became known to the Emperor that Mr. Cui-tin had asked ior his 
recall and was about to leave Russia, Prince (lortchacow, the Prime 
Minister, informed him the Emperor wished to present him his 
portrait. Mr. Curtin replied that, while acting in his official 
capacity, he could only receive it as the proi)erty of the United 
States government. He was then informed that the portrait was 
intended expressly for himself and family. After Mr. Curtin retired 
he received, while in London, the following letter : 

WrLDBAN, Switzerland, 18 July, 1872. 

Sir: — His Majesty, the Emperor, desiring to give you a particular 
testimony of his good wishes, has wished that, in leaving Russia, you 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. ']()?> 

take '.vitli vou his ])ortrait. It has just been excciited by order of 
his Imperial Majesty He has charged me to transmit it to you, in 
expressing the desire that it remains forever in your family in 
reiiiend)rance of the good sentiments that you have always manifested 
towards Kussia, and of the souvenirs of esteem and affection that you 
leave there. In acquitting myself of this supreme order, which 
attests the great sympathies which follow you in your retreat, permit 
me to Join to it the expression of those with which you have inspired 
me persimally in the course of our nmtual relations. 
Receive, sir, the assurance of my high consideration. 

GORTCHACOW. 

His Excellency, A. G. Cuktin, 

Care of Minister U. iS. A., Loudon. 

In December, 1872, the portrait arrived in this country, and 
Governor Curtin acknowledged its receipt as follows : 

Phila., Jan'y 31, 1873, IT. S. America. 

My Dear Prince .-—The portrait of the Empei'or arrived some 
weeks since, and, in compliance with a very general desire, has been 
on public exhibition in this city. It is ind ed beautiful, but its 
value is largely enhanced to me and my family as it presents his 
Majesty as he looked when we had the honor and privilege of seeing 
him. As a work of art of the highest merit, the portrait has 
attracted much public attention ; Init the interest is largely increased 
by the feeling that it is a faithful likeness of a monarch who has at 
all times and under all circumstances been the friend of our country, 
and one whose large benificence to humanity in his own country has 
attracted to him on the i)art of the [jcople of the United States the 
homage of their profound respect. 

I am at a loss for language to express my pride and thanks for 
this manifestation of the kindness of his Majesty, and am deeply 
grateful for the words of affection with which the porti-ait was 
accompanied. 

My residence in Russia was a happy episode in my life, and my 
memories of the confidence and good will I enjoyed from all per- 
sons I knew there, unalloyed by the jealousies and differences that 
so often mar the pleasures of life, can never be forgotten. Since 
returning to my country I have availed myself of many opportuni- 
ties to speak of the Emporor — of the mildness and virtues of his 
nature — of the vigor and justice of his reign — of his large and 
liberal views of human rights, and of the good he has done for his 
subjects. I pray God his life may be long spared for the good of 



S04 INDITSTEIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

Russia, and that his humane example, and his justice aiid integrity, 
which so justly endears him to his own people, may be practiced by 
those who are called by Providence to rule other Nations. 

And now, dear Prince,' you must permit mc to express t(j you in 
words warm from my heart, my gratitude for your continued kind- 
ness and friendship during my residence near you, and your courtesy 
in our personal and official intercourse. 

I will ever think and speak of you with pride as my friend, and 
will ever be, my dear Prince, 

Sincerely, your friend, 

A. G. CURTIN. 

In rcsi)onse to the above Governor Curtin received the following, 
through Baron Offenbach, Russian Minister at Washington : 

St. Peterpeukc, Feb. 14, 187?.. 

Dear Mr. Cartlii: — I have just received and made known to his 
Majestv, the Emperor, your letter of the .'Ust of January last. His 
Imperial iMajesty has been extremely touched by the sentiments you 
ex])ross toward him and l)y the attachment you preserve for Russia. 
I fulfill an express command in transmitting to you the thanks of 
his Majestv and the assurance of the particular good will you have 
inspired in hiiu. As for myself I have no need to tell you hov/ 
deeply sensible I am of your good and cordial words. Better than 
any one I have been able to appreciate th.e qualities which have 
won for you the general esteem aiid affection during your sojourn 
among us. Such sentiments, founded upon constant personal rela- 
tions, are solid and durable, I will always keep the best remem- 
brance of them, and I beg you to believe in my sincere and 
invariable friendship. Gortchacow. 

Mr. Curtin was a i)romincnt member of the Constitutional Con- 
vention in 1873, which is the last public position he has held. 

In person Governor Curtin is tall and c:m!nanding, Avith a broad, 
massive head and deep chest. He was married to a daughter of 
Dr. W. I. Wilson of Centre county, and has five children — one son 
and four daughters. The f{\mily resides in Bellefonte in a fine stone 
mansion near the centre of the towi:. 



OF ClONTIIE COUNTY. 305 

(WV. WILLIAM F. PACKER. 

Gov. Packer was bom on April 2, 1807, in Howard township, 
Centre county, Pa., within ^•■ix miles of the hirth place, and ten years 
previous to the birth of his successor in office, vSndrew G. Curtin. 
His father, James Packer, born in 177'], Nvas a native of Chester 
county, and a son of James Packer and liose Mendenhall. James 
Packer, the grandfather, was born 17*2o, in Kew Jersey, at the site 
of the present city of Princetijn, and was the '^on of Philip Packer, 
who was an Enu-lish Quaker, and among the first emigrants to West 
Jersey, under the ausjiices of Williai^i Peiin. 

Between the years 1 701 and 1800 James Packer, the lather of Wil- 
liam F., located upon the present Packer estate, which had ])revious- 
]y been patented to Job Packer, a brother of James Packer, the 
elder. The proj)erty has remained in ih(> family ever since, l)eing 
now in pos.session of Governor Packer's third daughter, Mrs. J. A. 
Woodward, who received it from her livther by inheritance. 

At the age of seven years W. F. Packer was deprived of his 
lather by death. When thirteen years old he entered the printing 
office of Samuel J. Packer, a relative in Sunhury, as an a])prcntice. 
At the end of a year, the office being closed, he returned to Centre 
county and completed his apprenticeship in the offi.ce of the Belle- 
fonte Patriot. In 1825 he became a clerk in the Register and 
Recorder's office of Lycoming county. In the fall of the same year 
h(! went to Harrisburg and engaged as journeyman printer in the 
office of the Pcnnsi/h'aniu Intellir/encer. 

In 1827 he entered his name as law student in the office of Joseph 
B. Anthony of Williamsport, but never ajiplied for admission to the 
bar. In the iall of 1827 he purchased an interest in the Li/comuif/ 
(jurccftc, published at Williamsport. On the death of his partner, 
John Brandon, in 1829, he assumed full control of the establishment, 
continuing to conduct the Gazctfe till the spring of 1836. On the 
24th of December, 1829, he married Mary W., daughter of Peter 
W. Vanderbelt of Williamsport, and a granddaughter of Michael 
Ross, the original owner of the land on which Williamsport is built. 



306 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

In June, 1832, lie was appoiuted superintendent of the West 
Branch canal, being at that time but twentij-five years old, and 
reappointed three successive years. During his term of service he 
satisfactorily disbursed a million and a quarter of dollars. In 1836, 
in company with 0. Barrett and Benjamin Parke, he established the 
Keydone at Harrisburg. He continued his connection with that 
paper till 1841 when he retired. In 1839 he was appointed a 
member of the board of canal commissioners. In May, 1842, he 
received the appointment of Auditor General of the State, remaining 
in that position till 1844. By virtue of his office he was a member 
of the executive cabinet. In 1847 he was elected a member of the 
House of Representatives from the district composed of Lycoming, 
Clinton and Potter counties, and re-elected the following year by an 
increased majority. In 1849 he was elected State Senator from the 
district composed of Lycoming, Clinton, Centre and Sullivan 
counties, by a large majority over Andrew G. Curtin. 

When the three hundred dollar exemption law was passed Mr. 
Packer was speaker of the House of Representatives and gave it his 
hearty support. In a speech delivered in favor of the law he said : 
" I Avould not jjermit the covetous and harddiearted creditor to 
drive hio unfortunate debtor naked and penniless out upon the cold 
charities of an inhospitable world. The laws that authorize such a 
procedure should be blotted from the pages of the statutes of every 
state in the Union. They are re|>ugnant to the spirit of the age 
and revolting to humanity." 

In 1852 he was made president of the Susquehanna Railroad 
Company. Mainly through his exertions this company obtained 
financial aid, which ultimately enabled it to complete the road to 
Sunbury. In 1856 he was a delegate to the Cincinnati Convention, 
which nominated Buchanan for the Presidency. It may be stated 
in this connection that he was also member of the convention that 
assembled at Baltimore in 1835 and nominated Van Buren. 

On March 18, 1857, he was nominated for Governor, and, though 
opposed by two strong candidates, Hon.. David Wilmot and Hon. 
Isaac Hazelhurst, he was elected by a majority of more than fifteen 



OF CKNTRE (X)ITNTY. '^OT 

thousand votes over both. At the close of his administration, his 
heahh tailing, he retire(l IVom public life, and returned with his 
family to his former home in Williamspoi-t, where, highly honored 
and esteemed by all, he died on the 27th of Sei)teiuber, 1S70, at the 
age of sixty-three years. He was a man of fine physi(iue, tall and 
symmetrically formed. His eyes were blue and haii- cliestinit brown 
or auburn, with broad, iutellectual forehead. 

At his death he left a widow and six children — two sons, Boyd 
C, now living at Lock Haven, and Albert, since deceased; and 
four daughters, Mary, wife of James W. Clarke of Williamsport, 
Sarah B., now Mrs. Elisha All is of .Easton, Pa., x\nnie, wife of J. 
A. Woodward, now living upon the old homestead, and Ellen B., 
wife of W. F.. Eeles of Williansspoit. The widow still resides in 
Williamsport. 

The old honu' of Governor Packer (occupies a beautiful location. 
The land gently slopes from the base of an Allegheny spur to the 
Bald Eagle creek. Upon this inclination, surrounded by broad 
fields, stands the house in which he was born. It was erected in 
1802, but has withstood the ravages of time remarkably well. A 
few rods in the rear of the house is the old family burying ground. 
Within it lie the remains of quite a number of the ancestors and 
relatives of (iovernor Packer. Near the c(>ntre of the enclosure is 
the grave of his lather, marked by a head-stone bearing the follow- 
ing inscription : " In memory of James Packer, who died June 3d, 
1814, aged 41 years." The letters were marked out by Governor 
Packer when but seven years of age, and cut by his brother. Judge 
H. P>. Packer, who was two years older. 



308 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 



CHURCHES. 



AFRICAN METHODIST. 

f^^HE first Afi-icaii ]\Tethodii4 Episcopal clmrch of Bcllefontc 
(l^^l was organized in 183G by Samuel Johnson of Chanibcrsburg, 
rj>^^ Pa. It was known as Zion's Wcsleyan A. M. E. church. 
This organization continued until 1848. 

In 1844 Rev. Willis Nazcry organized a congregation in the 
place which was known as the A. M. E. church, and for four years 
there were two separate organizations. These diflcred only in form 
of government. The former believed in electing superintendents 
every four years, while the latter i>refei'red ordaining bishops for 
life, or as long as their conduct comported with the AVord of God, 
and as this mode of government seemed to meet the approbation of 
a majority of the people it v*as sustained by them. The church, at 
this time, numbered but seven members. The first place of worship 
Avas a dwelling, where they continued to meet for three years. They 
then removed to a school house, where services were held until 1859, 
when the prese':.t church was built. 

Under the pastorate of the Rev. William Grimes the number 
increased to thirty. The new church was dedicated by Bishop D. 
A. Payne, D.D., B. T. Tanner, now editor of the Chridian Bccorder, 
Philadelphia, and Rev. James Lynch, who settled in Mississippi after 
the war and became secretary of State. The church at present 
numbers fifty -four members. The Sabbath-school about sixty. The 
church property is valued at twenty-five hundred dollars. The 
present pastor is Rev. Charles E. Herbert. The writer of this is 



OF CEXTRE COUNTY. ."09 

the only one now living of the seven original members of the 
c'hurcli. — John. Welch. 

BAPTIST. 

There arc at thi;? time six Baptist churches in Centre county, viz: 
Milesburg, Bald Eagle, Unionville, Phili])sburg, Eaglcville and 
Bellefonte. 

The first meetings in the county were conducted by Elder Calvin 
Philleo, a missionary from Vernon, Oneida county, N. Y., \\\\o 
preached in Bellefonte on the 14th of July, 1821. 

Services were also held at Milesburg, when Joseph and Susan 
Miles of Bellefonte, and Hannah Green and Abigail Miles of Miles- 
burg, applied for baptism. An organization was cftected in August, 
1822, consisting of fourteen members, and Charles J. Hopkins of 
Philadelphia, was chosen first pastor. Since that time the church 
has been served by the following pastors : George I. Miles, J. P. 
Thompson, F. B. Brown, Eli Tuttle, Charles Tucker, Father Hay- 
dock, David Williams, D. W. Hunter, Frederick Bower, George W. 
Bowman, D. B. Thomas, F. M. Perry, A. B. Kunyan, and W. A. 
Biggart, who serves the church at this time. About six hundred 
persons have been baptized into the fellowship of this church. 
Eight ministers of the Gospel have been raised up by this church. 
Their names are: George I. Miles, Samuel Miles, Edward Miles, 
J. Green Miles, J. B. Hutton, F. E. Clapp, E. C. Baird, and AVilliam 
S. Holt. The membership of the jNIilesburg church, at this time, is 
about one hundred and sixty. They occupy a neat and substantial 
two-story brick building, costing, when built, about ten thousand 
dollars. 

At Martha Furnace is located the^ Bald Eagle Baptist church, an 
independent organization, effected in 1835, by about thirty of the 
members of the Milesburg church, who resided in that neighbor- 
hood. The church has been served by the following pastors, viz : 
Calvin Philleo, George I. Miles, Josiah Jones, J. R. Morris, E. W. 
Daniels, John W. Evans, D. V. Krcvlin, Geo. W. Bowman, B. B. 



31 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

Hendicy, J. L. Holmes, and W. A. Ridgc'. The clmrcli numbers 
at this time one luindrcd and ten. From the date of organization, 
in 1835, up to 18()4, the ehiirch was known as tlie Pat ton township 
church. At this period the name was changed to Bald Eagle, and 
a number of their members were dismissed, and were separately 
organized as the ITuionville church. Rev. D. V. Krevlin became 
their first pastor in 1804. Since then they have been served by 
Revs. A. C. Runyan, and W. A. Biggart. 

Philipsburg Baptist church was organized May 14, 1868, by Rev. 
B. B. Henshey, a missionary of the Pennsylvania General Associa- 
tion. Pastoral services have been rendered by the ibllowing 
ministers: J. L, Holmes, J. M. Perry, Robert Dunlap, D. T. Davis 
and W. H. Eldredge, the last named serving the church at this time. 

The Liberty Eaj^tist church, at Eagleville, has been of rapid and 
permanent growth. Organized February 23, 1871. First pastor, 
Rev. A. B. Runyan. The site "of the old Lutheran church was 
purchased and a neat church building erected thereon. There have 
been one hundred and seventy-three additions to this church during 
its brief existence. At this time Rev. W. A. Ridge renders efficient 
services at Eagleville, Unionville, Julian, Martha Furnace and 
Port Matilda. 

Prior to the date of the organization of the Baptist church in 
Bcllefonte, May 13, 1870, the several adherents of that faith residing 
in the place held their membership in the Milesburg cluirch. It 
was believed, however, that an independent organization should be 
had in Bcllefonte. Accordingl}', sendees looking to that end were 
held in the court house April 18, 1875, by Rev. W. A. Biggart. 
By mutual consent a conference was held in the place on the loth 
of May, 1876— moderator. Rev. W. x\. Ridge— at which time 
Christian experience was related by the several persons whose names 
appear below as the constituents of church : F. Potts Green, Harvey 
Adams, Mercella C. Adams, Mary R. Adams, Nettie Kirk, Elizabeth 
North, Eliza Wells, Amelia Wells, Mrs. Kealsh, Father Kcachler, 
W. A. Biggart and Margaret S. Biggart. Rev. W. A. Biggart was 
elected pastor and still continues his labors with the church. A 



OF Cn:NTIlK COILNTV. 311 

council of roc'ognition eoiivc'iicd with ilic churcli August 10 of the 
siuno year, wliicli orgiiuizcMl hy electing moderator, Rev. Thomas 
Swinden of Logan's valley; committee to examine doctrines of the 
church and report in heaving of the convention, Rev. H. F. King, 
A. M. Lloyd, H. L. Bunker of Hollidaysburg, Rev. W. A. Ridge of 
Eagleville, W. A. Biggart, F. Potts Green of Bellefonte. Com- 
mittee after having carefully examined the articles of I'aith held hy 
the church and finding them scriptural and in luirmony with the 
great body of the Baptist church, I'eported, recommending their 
recognition and reception into the body, when hand of fellowship 
was extended the pastor by H. L. Bunker and recognition sermon 
preached by Rev. H. F. King. The old M. E. church was rented 
as a temporary place of meeting. During the one and a half years 
of their existence the church has grown from twelve to seventy 
members. — Iiev. W. A. Biggart. 

BRKTIinEN IN CHRIST. 

A society of peoj)le who have been in the United States nearly 
one century, and are usually called Dunkards. They emigrated 
from Switzerland, and located on the iSusquehanna river, in Lan- 
caster ccjunty. 

They have spread over (piite a nu nd)er of States. A small num- 
ber is found in Centre county, where they hold meetings in a dozen 
different j)laces throughout the year. These meetings are conducted 
by Conrad Long, and his son, T. A. Long, who live at Howard, and 
are held in jjrivate dwellings, school houses, and sometimes barns 
are fitted up for the occasion. Their faith is similar to that of the 
Friends. They believe in i;on-resistanee, take no part in politics, 
iill no offices, and are " [)lain in their dress and address." 

CA THOLIC. 

The St. John's Catholic church of Bellefonte, having at present 
one of the largest congregations in the county, was built in 1828 by 
Rev. Father O'Reily, who afterwards moved to Wilmington, Dela- 



812 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

ware. From 1824' to 1828 the congregation was attended by Kev. 
Father Haydon, then oF Bedford, to whicli place it \vas attached as 
a Mission. Services were lickl in a house, later the residence of Wil- 
liam Welsh, on High street. From the building of the church, in 
1828, dates the existence of the Bellefonte Catholic Parish, in con- 
nection with which were Lock Haven, Jersey Shore, Howard, and 
Potter township, then Hecla and Washington Furnace, Philipsburg ,1 
and Snow Shoe. '| 

To 1868 Bellefonte Parish belonged to the Philadelphia Diocese, 
which was then divided into Philadelphia, Wilmington, Scranton, 
and Harrisburg Diocese, the latter holding, at present, the jurisdic- 
tion over this Parish. The secular priests officiated until 1857, 
when tlie Benedictines were given control, which lasted seven years. 
In 1864 the secular priests were again appointed. Rev. Thomas \ 
McGovern, now of Danville, Pa., being the first pastor. He re- 
mained six years, — during his pastorate, in 1867, he built the St. 
Mary's church of Snow Shoe. The congregation there numbers 
two hundred. 

Since the establishment of the Bellefonte Par'.sh, nr.-Jy-nine years 
ago, there have been thirty-five priests, among whom were Rev. 
Lewis Fink, now Bisliop of Leavenworth, Kansas, and Rev. Father 
Bernard, prior of the Benedictine Order at Newark, New Jersey. 
The present pastor, Rev. A. J. O'Brian, came here July 19, 1876. 
He was educated at St. Charles College, Philadelphia, and ordained 
priest November, 1874, remaining at Columbia, Pa., until he was 
sent to this place. At present the congregation consists principally 
of Irish, with a few Germans; however, the former have ahvays 
largely predominated. 

The church at Philipsburg was built by Rev. Father Boetzkus, 
who officiated as pastor for two years. At present there is no pastor 
stationed there — the congregation being attached to Osceola. Pre- 
vious to the erection of the church, services were held in j)rivate 
houses. For the above facts the compiler is indebted to Mr. H. W. 
Brockerhoff. 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 313 



DISCIPLE. 



A congregation or religions society known as " Di8ci})les of 
Ciirist," or Christians, (the title first given to the disciples of Christ 
about the year 41), Avas organized at Howard in tlic summer of 
1832 by Elder Nathan J. JNIitchell. Neither their religious princi- 
ples nor the people themselves were at that time knovai in Centre 
county. Having no human creed or synd)ol of faith and claiming 
the Bible alone as the rule of faith and practice, it was incum- 
bent upon him to make known orally the object and principles 
of the society. The organization consisted of live persons: Henry 
B. Yaniel, Job Rendel, Harriet Way, the Elder and his wife. 
The organization bas continued to the present time. It has never 
exceeded eighty or ninety members, owing somewiiat to death 
and to a constant onnnigration west. In October of 18o9 the 
congregation at Howard erected a church in what in now the 
borough. Hitherto they had worshipped in dwellings and school 
houses. The principal contributor to this church was John P. 
Packer, (a brother of the Elder's wife, also of Gov. William F. 
Packers He became a mendier of the church in 1841. The house 
of worship is not large, but quite crtmfortably arranged. It is a 
frame structure and cost two thousand dollars. In 1832 Elder 
Mitchell extended his labors down the Bald Eagle valley to 
IMill Hall, which was then in Centre county, and preached in difterent 
localities between Howard and Mill Hall. The same year he 
organized a church in what was called the Beach C-reek neighbor- 
hood. It was composed of about ninety members. Here a house 
of worship was erectcl by the joint etibrts of the Mennonites 
and Disciples. In a short time the ibrmer surrendered their entire 
membership to the Disciples, who became sole owners of the build- 
ing. This house was occupied by the Disciples until 1869, when a 
lot on the opposite side of the public road Avas purchased and a 
large and commodious brick edifice erected. It has a capacious 
basement and a beautiful audience room above. This congregation 
once numbered among its members cx-Sheriif J. J. Lingle, now of 



314 INDUSTRIES AND IXSTITUTIOXS 

Pliilipsburg, this comity ; Hon. James Chatham and Orin T. Noble, 
Esq., both now of L:>ck Haven. Austin L2onard,an elder of" the first 
organization, resides in Beech Creek, three-fourths of a mile from 
the church. He has stood for forty-five years a pillar in the church 
and a citizen of irreproachable reputation. The Disciples organized 
a congregation in Curtin township many years ago. Their house, of 
a more recent <late, is a pleasant and convenient building. They 
have a good Sunday-school and meet for worship every Lord's day. 
—Elder Nathan J. Mitchell. 

EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION. 

As early as the year 1804 the pioneer ministers of the Evangelical 
Association extended their field of operations to Brush and Penn's 
valleys, creating a new circuit and establishing points for preaching. 
This new circuit, which included parts of Centre and Northumber- 
land counties, was at first called Shamokin, and afterwards North- 
umberland circuit. Revs. John AValtcr and A. Liesser traveled this 
circuit for nearly a year, when Rev. J. Albright, the i'ounder of the 
society, and Alexander Jimeson, took charge of it. At that period 
changes of ministers were made at short intervals — some remaining 
on a circuit less than a year. At about this time ( 1804) Mr. Al- 
bright came to Brush valley, Centre county, and was received by 
Christopher tSpangler, who gave him permission to preach in his 
house, and was the first convert to the new sect in Brush valley, if 
not the first in the county. Mr. Spangler afterwards became the 
post and pillar of the society in his neighborhood, and was for many 
years a local preacher. He died in 1855 at the age of nearly 
eighty-nine years, deeply lamented by his numerous friends. Prior 
to the erection of the Evangelical church at Reber.sburg, in 1834, 
Mr. Spangler's home was the regular place for preaching, and 
several camj)-meetings were also held on his land. 

A class was formed in Brush valley in 1806, of which he was 
leader. Among the first members were J. G. Conser and Jacob 
Reber. At a later period — about 1833 — the following families were 



OF CEXTRE COUNTY. 31 

a'lile.l : Grumlys, Meyer,-, Becks, and Feidler,^. At Milllicini a 
cla-s was oi-ganized in the same year — 180G. Abraham Ream, Paul 
Bachmau, David Mark, and George Swartz, were amoiiii' the first 
members; and at the eastern end of Penn's valley, Adam Hcnnig, 
John Wise, and Jacob Mark, were, about the same time, the leading 
members in that section. At a later period the following families 
joined the society: the Ilarters, Dingcs', Djiningers, Kreamers, Gep- 
harts, Hostern)ans and Motzes. In 1811 a class was formed near 
Potter's i\[ills, of which John Daubermaii, B. Wagner, Daniel 
Shrcifler, C. Dillman, and Abraham Ream, were the first members. 
Southwest of Millheim, in the neighborhood of Musscrs' church, the 
following members joined the association about the year ISoO : Adam 
and Pliilip Zerby, Jacob Neese, John Feidlcr, John Falkner, and 
Sebastian Musser — the last named subsequently entered the minis- 
try. A camp-meeting was held in this region in I800, at which 
occurred sixty conversions. There were tliirty-fuur tents. 

The churches at Rebersburg and Mussers' were built in 1834, and 
were the first in the county. The former was dedicated in 1834, 
the latter in 1835. Before the erection of meeting-houses religious 
services Avere held in private dwellings, school houses, &c. 

There was a camp-meeting held at the eastern end of Penn's 
valley on the land of J. A. Ilennig. in 1817, which is said to have 
b3cn the first of the association in the county. Yet the history of 
the Evangelical Association makes mention of one held on the land 
of Gsorge Swartz, near Millheim, in 1814. 

The fourth general (conference of the Evangelical Association was 
held at the house of John A. Hennig, eastern end of Penn's valley,' 
November 1,1830. 

An annual conference was held at Rebersburg Ma'rch 28, 1836. 
The seventh general conference was convened at Mussers' church 
March 25, 1839. Rev. John Seybert was elected the first bishop of 
the society. There were present thirty-one ministers. An annual 
conference was held at Millheim March 13, 1844, and again at the 
same place March, 18G2. 

Centre circuit was formed in 1813 and was the first in the county. 



31 G IXDUSTEIES AND IXSTITUTIONS 

Prior to this date tlic appointments in Centre county belonged to 
Northumberland circuit. In 1819 Centre circuit numbered three 
hundred and four members. It included at one time Penn's, Brush, 
Stone, Sugar, Nittany and Nippenose valleys and the " German 
settlement" beyond Jersey Shore. At present it embraces only that 
part of Penn's valley lying east of Spring Mills. The number of 
churches now is six ; members, three hundred and fifty ; Sunday- 
schools, seven, with five hundred and seventy-five members ; preach- 
ei's the present year, Revs. C. F. Deininger and J. H. Peters; 
superuumerar}' preachers, Revs. Sebastian Musser and E. Stambach. 

Centre Hall circuit belonged to Centre circuit until about the 
year 1858, when it was erected into a separate district under the 
name of Boalsburg circuit. It received its present name in 1872 or 
1873. There are four churches apd about one hundred and sixty 
members, one Sunday-school having fifty members. Rev. Horace 
Stover is the present minister. 

Nittany Valley circuit was formed in the spring of 1871. Part 
of it lies in Clinton county. The part in Centre contains three 
churches, besides five "school house appointments," and numbers 
two hundred and seventy-eight members, and one Sunday-school cf 
seventy members. Revs. W. E. Detweihn- and J. J. Loh.r are the 
present ministers; Isaac Frain, local preaciier. 

Milesburg circuit was formed .in 187G. It was formerly a part 
of Boalsburg circuit. It contains five classes, numbering two 
hundred and twenty-five members, and two churches, besides four 
other appointments. There are three Sunday-schools within its 
limits having an aggregate of two hundred and thirty members. 
Present minister. Rev. J. M. King. 

]5rush Valley circuit was organized in the spring of 1877. Tliere 
are within its limits four churches and three Sabbath-schools. 
Number of church members, about one hundred and sixty. Mem- 
bers belonging to the schools, about two hundred. Rev. John 
Kreamer is the present preacher ; Revs. Andrew J. Graraly and J. 
Vonada, local preachers. 

From the origin of the association up to the present time the 



OF CENTIIK COUNTY. 817 

(lirt'orent circuits luiil clmrgcs have Ix'cii su|)i)lie(l uith iniuistors 
on the itinei'ant Hystcni, and chaii_t>;e.s are made at the cud of 
one or two years, hence the number of preachers tluit have 
traveled in Centre county for a space of seventy-five years would be 
too larye to enumerate. But a list of several of the first ones that 
laboi-ed in Centre is here presented : Jacob Albright, John Walter, 
( u'orge Miller, J. Ei"b, Leonard Zimmerman, F. Shauer, John 
Driesbach, Jacob Kleinfelter, John Stambach and A. Longsdorf. — 
I'rof. Hkhi'h Meijtr. 

LUTHERAN. 

The first Lutheran church Avithin the limits of what is now Cen- 
tre count}', was built in 1794, previous to which time missionaries 
of this denomination visited Penn's valley, preaching to the settlers 
and Lulians alike. The first regular congregation was organized in 
1 7i)o, and was called the Salem Evangelical liutheran congregation 
of Aaronsburg. Arrangements were immediately made for erecting 
a house of worshi]), and the corner-stone was laid on the 1st day of 
May, 17->4, on which occasion the Rev. Christian Espich of Sun- 
Iniry, ofiiciated. Among the memorials de])Osited in the corner- 
stone was a coi)y of the I)cii/:xrJu-ift, published in 1704. The officers 
were — ehlers, Jacob Stover and Geo. Wolf, Sr. ; deacons, Nicholas 
Snyder and Adam Stover; building committee, Wm.Lanrimere,Jno. 
Shuck, Jacob Stover and George Troutner. liev. Espich continued 
as jiastor ui.til the year 1800, when Rev. L. A. W. Ilgen of Germany, 
was called to the pastoral charge. Rev. Ilgen continued to serve 
the congregations connecte<l with this charge, viz: Aaronsburg, 
Rebersburg, Ivoop and Penn's creek, until his death, on the 20th of 
August, 182;5. In addition to his regular labors he frequently 
visited the western portions of Penn's and Nittany valleys. His 
suc(;essors were Rev. J. T. Abele, 1828 to 1888 ; Rev. Daniel Gott- 
wald, 1838 to 1848; Rev. Charles Reese, 1848 to 1853; Rev. J. M. 
Alliman, 1853 to 1858; Rev. J. Walker, 1858 to 1862; Rev. D. 
Sell, 18()2 to 1867; Rev. A. C. Falker, 1807 to 18(i9-; Rev. P. 



?)18 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTION'S 

Sahni, 18GJ) to 1878; Rev. John Tonilinsoii, 1873 to 1877. The 
Penn'8 creek congregation, belonging to this charge, was organized 
in 1801, the first after Centre count)'- was formed. The present 
church edifice at Aaronshurg was built in 1852 ; Revs. J. M. Alli- 
man and J. G. Anspach ofnciating at the laying of the corner-stone-. 
Congregations have been organized at other points in the eastern 
part of Brush valley, viz: Madisonburg, St. Paul's and Brunigarts, 
together with the one at Rebersburg, previously organized, constitute 
a charge \vithin themselves. The Centre Hall Lutheran congrega- 
tion was organized in 1854, Rev. Frederick Riithrauf being the first 
pastor. His successors were Revs. J. T. Williams, P. P. Lane, Wil- 
liam Poor, G. M. Settlemeyer, J. K. Miller and W. E. Fisher. The 
other congregations composing the Centre Hall charge are those; of 
Loop, Union and George's valley. The first Lutheran church at 
Boalsburg was built in 1825, the German Reformed congregation 
uniting with the Lutherans in erecting the building. They con- 
tinued to worship together until the year 1860, when the Lutherans 
jiurchased the interests of the Reformed congi-egation. The ])astor, 
at the lime of the erection of the church, was Rev. J. T. Abele. In 
1868 the stone church, built in 1825, Avas torn down and a brick 
one erected on its site. The charge is composed of the Boalsburg, 
Shiloh au-d Pleasant Gap congregations. The first Lutheran church 
at Pine Grove was built iji 1832. The ministers present at the 
dedication were Revs. Moser, Abele and Martin. Rev. Moser con- 
tinued pastor of this, together with other congregations in the 
vallev, till his death, in 1864. At present the Pine Grove and Pine 
Hall congregations compose one charge, with Rev. M. F. Long as 
pastor. The Pine Hall church was built in 1875. Congregations 
have existed for many years at Gatesburg and Centre Line, the Rev. 
Smith at present being the pastor. The Shiloh Lutheran church, 
located about six miles from Bellefbnte, along the Bellefonte and 
Boalsburg turnpike, was built in 1868. Previous to that time the 
public school building was used as a place of worship. The Plea- 
sant Gap church was built in 1869. It formerly belonged to the 
Bellefonte charge, biit has lately been connected with the Boalsburg 



OF CKNTKK (BOUNTY. 1^19 

charge. The Niltany Valley charge was originally computed of the 
Helleibnte, Zion, Snydertown and Jacksonville congregations, with 
several congregations now within the boundaries of Clinton county. 
The first pastor was Rev. 1j. C. Eggers, who was succeeded by Revs. 
Jacob Albert, Henry Ziegler, L. K. Secrist, J. C. Eurkhalter, W. 
I J. Heisler and J. A. Bright. In Bellefonte the Lutherans and 
Reforms were joint owners of a church proj^erty for many years. 
Ill 1S()!> the Lutherans sold their interest in the church to the 
latter, and purchased a property in the central portion of the town, 
on Higli street, which has been neatly fitted up. Rev. W. H. Diven 
is the [>astor at present. As far as we are able to learn there are 
now about twenty Lutheran congregations in Centre county, with 
eight ministers to supply them with preaching. The church pro- 
perties are all in good condition, most of them being; almost entirely 
new. — Clement Dale, Esq. 

MESSIAirS CHUR CII. 

The iirst iiuroduction into Centi-e county of the pecidiar views 
believed i;i by this sect, was by Rev. J. R. dates, in 1842. Plis 
labors were mostly confined to Nittany valley. He, however, (h'd 
jiot attempt the organization of a church. In 184r)-'(), Rev. J. 1). 
Royer visited the county and permanently located. The first cliurch 
organized is now known as the Marsh creek church, some three miles 
from Milesburg, and subse(|uently a house of worship was erected on 
land belougiiig to Joseph Eckley. Mr. Royer extended his labors 
to most of the neighborhoods in the county, a* well as into adjoining 
counties, and organized churches, which, up to 1858, acted entirely 
independent of each other, under the general name of " Second 
Adventists." In that year a 8tate Conference was called for the 
purpose of forming an organization which should bind these churches 
together. At this meeting the name " Messiah's Church " was adopt- 
ed, to distinguish this body from those liolding the general nanie of 
"Adventists." 

The congregations in Centre county, at present, are as follows: 



820 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

Central City, M:ir.-<li creek, Dix's Run, Zion, Snow Shoe, Pino Glen, 
and Moshannon, all of which have church edifices except those of 
CentralCitv and Moshannon. These congregations have been served 
by the following ministers: Revs. M. L. Jackson, T. Hollen,H. P. 
Cutter, J. Zeigler, and J. A. Aldred. 

METHODIST. 

As iar hack as the year 1800 the old Methodist })reachers passed 
tlirough what is now called Centre county, and, wherever an open- 
ing presented, proclaimed the Gospel. On horseback and frequently 
on foot, (for they were men of great endurance), they traveled long 
distances through summer's heat and winter's cold with a Bible, 
hynni book and a few choice volumes of Wesley's and Fletcher".- 
works, and })atiently and faithfidly instructed the people in the 
doctrines of Methodism, which they believed to be in accordance 
w4th the inspired Scriptures and best suited to men's c(nisciences. 
The first preachers who 'traveled Centre and adjoining counties were 
John Thomas, who, in advanced life, became an associate judge, in 
Lvconiing county, and was highly esteemed In' all who knew 
him; Joseph Rhoads, Henry Minshall, Marmaduke Pearce, James 
Stevens, and others who, despite their toils and privations, attained 
to old age, and were permitted by Divine Providence to witness the . 
success which followed their efforts. The first charges or circuits 
included in Centre county were Bald Eagle, Aughwick and Hunt- 
ingdon. Tliese have been divided and sub-divided until Centre 
county itself now has nine circuits and stations, with thirty-one 
regular appointments, two thousand one hundred and fifty-eight 
church mend)ers, twenty-six Sunday-schools, two thousand and 
sixty-six Sunday-school children, three hundred and seventeen 
officers and teachers, and about fifteen thousand volumes in the 
libraries. There are nine regular traveling preachers appointed 
annually to take charge of the work. There are also six local 
preachers, a large number of exhorters, stewards and church class- 
leaders. For many years after the commencement of Methodism in 



OF ('i;nti;1'; corxTY. ->21 

Centre county there were no Iiouses of public worshii) belonging to 
that denomination, hut IVcijuntly, on stumps, on the corners of 
the streets, in dwelling houses, in school houses, and Avhen j)ermitted, 
in summer time, in harns, the minister ])roc]aimed theGos])el. The 
tirst Methodist churcli in Centre county was, ])robal)ly, the one 
located in Penn's valley, named the Pennington churcli, after the 
proprietors of the land. It was huilt of logs. 

In the hounds of Centre county itself there are, at present, twcn- 
tv-six houses of worship belonging entirely to the Methodist Episco- 
pal denomination, valued at 689,000. Many of them are beautiful 
and im])osing edifices; instance the one in Bellefonte, also the one 
in Philipsburg, and in other places. There are four parsonages, val- 
ued at .S->,500, and other church ])roperty belonging to the society, of 
consi<lerabl(^ value. — Rri\ Eflsha Biiflcr. 

PL' OTESTAXT EPISCOPAL. 

The earliest effort that is now known to have been made in this 
countv towards the establishment of the Protestant Episcopal church, 
was made in the town of Philipsburg, in l'S20. Mr. Harduian Phil- 
ips, an P^nglish gentleman, scholarly and polished, of superior busi- 
uess ability, and a large proprietor, deeded a lot of ground for the 
use of the peojde of Philip.-burg and vicinity, to be used as a bury- 
ing place for all denominations. On the lot stood a new log build- 
inti", of rather large size, well chinked and daubed, and used as a 
school and meeting house. It was built by the people of the settle- 
ment, all contributing material and Avork. A town meeting was call- 
ed, and trustees were appointed to take charge of the place. Regular 
church services were not held there, however, for many years ; but 
Sunday worship was rendered in full at the " Big House," or Phil- 
ips' mansion, by Mrs. Sophie Philii)s herself, at first. The Metho- 
dists chiefiv used the log house at this time, though it was not abso- 
lutely given up to them. The Rev. Dr. Bull, of Chester county, 
and the Rev. Mr. Smith, of Meadeville, were the first to officiate 
there. The first organization was effected under the name of "Trin- 



322 IN^DUSTRIES AND INHTITUTIOXS 

ity Chiirrh," oa the 15fch day of May, 1834. At that time it appears 
that Dr. John Plumb and Mr. Hardraan Philips were elected ward- 
ens, and William Bagshaw, James McGirk, John Matley, Richard 
Taylor, Joseph Glow, John Plumb, Jr., aud Joseph Dale, Jr., 
vestrymen. In 1868 the Presbyterians got possession of the old 
building, and the corporate name was changed to St. Paul's church, 
when a new charter was obtained and a new building erected on a 
lot deeded by Mrs. R. C. Hale. 

In the year 1826 Mrs. Harriet Wilson and a sister, who after- 
wards become Mrs. James Gregg, residents of the toAvn of York, 
where they had received the rite of confirmation, or laying-on-of- 
hands, from Bishop White, moved to Bellefonte, in the hope that 
change of air and scenery might benefit their somewhat impaired 
health. One Rev. Dr. Hall, whose acquaintance they had made in 
York, gave them letters commending them to the pastoral care of 
the nearest Episcopal minister, the Rev. Mr. Piggott, then at 
Lewistown. They found in Bellefonte Major James Armor, who 
had been baptized in youth at Carlisle, this State, but of late had 
been separated from his church associations ; aud also a Mr. Magee, 
who for forty years had been deprived of the services of the Episcopal 
church. Soon after the arrival of the Misses Wilson in Bellefonte, 
the Rev. Mr. Piggott made a visit to these stray sheep, and held 
public services in the town. Many of the people who were present 
at those services were so much jdeased that they invited him to 
repeat it. The church was new to all the Bellefonte peoj^le except 
the persons already mentioried, and to Colonel James Burnside 
(afterwards Judge) and Dr. Irvin, who had attended its services 
occasionally in Philadelj)liia 

Mr. Piggott finally agreed to hold services in the town every third 
Sunday, but the interest soon so increased that the little band desired 
to meet weekly, and made an eftlu-t to have lay-reading. Accord- 
ingly, a Mr. Kechler, who, though a member of the Moravian 
church, became very much attached to the Episcopal church, 
consented to act in the capacity of lay-reader, and Mr. Armor 
offered for use the U})per story of his cabinet warehouse, which stood 



OV CKNTRK COUNTY 



nOQ 



whore Mrs Potrildii's liousc now .stands. Hero tlio littlo coiigvo,<>;a- 
tion assoniblod, and Major Armor acted as clerk, niaking all the 
necessary responses after tlie manner at that time so coininon in the 
church of England. Services were afterwards held for a time in 
the school room over the Masonic Lodge. 

Soon iiollefonte attained to the dignity of a mission station, and 
was regularly served by the several rectors of the churcli at Lewis- 
town who succeeded Mr. Piggott, until August 26, 188(3, when a 
jueeting of the congregation was held and a parish organization 
effected by the election of a vestry composed of the following named 
gentlemen, to wit: James Armor, James T. Hale, James P. Gregg, 
George Buchanan, Benjamin Burnett, William Irvin, James Burn- 
side, Charles B. Callahan and Coiistans (lurtin. There seems to 
have 1)0011 no church building, however, until the Rev. George W. 
jM'att, of holy memory, ontorod U])on the rectorship of the parish in 
August, 18;mS. It was then that the (jiu-stion oi' the establishment 
of the churc^h hei'o was permanently settled. With a zeal and 
earnestness to which many men are utter strangers, Mr. Natt set 
about the work of building. Judge Hale donated the lot, and the 
house in which the Lutheran congregation now worships was 
erected. In 1848 a rectory was built, which was disposed of at the 
time of the building, in 18(')0, of the new^ and beautiful and commo- 
dious Gothic stone church edifice on the corner of Allegheny and 
Lamb streets. 

During the present year, 1877, Mr, William F. Reynolds, one of 
the oldest members of the parish, has erected on the church lot, at 
his own cost, and presented to the congregation, a very handsome 
and convenient house, to be used as a rectory. 

The congregation has the reputation of being both inHuential and 
wealthy, and of those who have passed out of earthly sight the 
memory of such men as the Hon. Judges Hale, Burnside and 
Shaler, and Major James Armor, is still fondly cherished. The 
society is, at this writing, in a flourishing condition and has a 
prosperous future before it. — Bei'. John Heivitt. 



324 INinTSTRIKS AND INt^TITUTfOXS 



PRESBYTERIAN. 



The sketch of thi.s church is unavoidably incomplete. Judge 
Linn had been selected to prepare it, but professional duties has 
prevented him from doing so up to the time of going to press. 
This is very much regretted by the publishei^s, as the Presbyterian 
church has been one of the most prominent ones in the county since 
the days of General Potter. The leading families among the first 
settlers were of that faith, and early organized themselves into con- 
gregations. One of the first churches built, if not fhe first, was at 
Centre Hall, about a mile from Potter's Mills. It was called Sink- 
ing Creek church ; General Potter being the leading spirit in its 
construction and the organization of a congregation in its neighbor- 
hood. Among the first preachers were Rev. Mr. Wiley and Rev. 
Mr. Martin, who also preached at Spring Mills. Rev. William 
vStewart was pastor of Sinking Creek and Spring Creek churches in 
1818, and for some years after. Of the families connected with the 
Presbyterian church in the county in early times, were the Potters, 
McKims, Loves, Irvins, Duncans, Fosters, Jameses, Woodses, Kel- 
leys. Earners, Hutchinsons, Curtins, Rankins, Hustons, Lowreys, 
Humeses, Wilsons, Harrises, Dunlaps, Williamses, Mileses, Halls, 
I'etrikins, Steeles, and many other j^eople of prominence. A church 
was organized in Bellefonte soon after the town Avas laid out. The 
first regularly installed pastor was Rev. Henry R. Wilson, who 
took charge of the united congregations of Bellefonte and Lick 
Run in 1803. In 1809 he wa? succeeded by Rev. James Linn, who 
continued his "jxistoral care of the Bellefonte congregation till his 
death, which occurred on the 23d of February, 1868, having faith- 
fully served his people n\ore than half a century. In 1860 Rev. J. 
H. Barnard became assistant pastor, remaining till 1866, when he 
was followed by Rev. Alfred Yeomans, who continued as Dr. Linn's 
assistant three years. In November, 1869, Rev. W. T. Wylie took 
charge of the congregation, remaining as its pastor till May, 1876, 
when he was succeeded by the present minister, Rev. Wm. Laurie. 



OF CENTRE COUMTY. 825 

This congregation luis a fine hunso of \vorshi[), costing about .i>40,()0(). 

There are now, in all, twelve or fourteen congregations in the 
county, with a membership of not less than twelve lunulrecl. The 
following was furnished by Rev. W. O. Wright: 

The foundation for the JMoshannon Presbyterian church was laid 
in Septend)er, 1851, on land donated by James Gilliland and Henry 
Vandyke. The principal contributors were Henry Vandyke, James 
Gilliland, 8arah Miles, James Marshal, John Holt and William and 
John Baird. The whole cost of the building was about fourteen 
hundred dollars, two hundred of which was contributed by the 
"Church Erection Fund." This was the first church erected in this 
part of Centre county. The church was organized l^eptend:)er 25, 
1852, in what is known as " the Askey school house," by the Rev. 
James Linn. The first communion service was held in the church 
July 23, 1854, and on this date the church was dedicated, the Revs. 
James Linn, D.D., and Robert Hamill, D.D., officiating. The Rev. 
B: E. Collins was the first pastor, who began his labors April 29, 
1855, and was installed pastor September 4, 1855. His pastorate 
ended April 4, 1858. The Rev. John P. Clark supplied the church 
from April, 1860, to October, 1860. On February 8, 1861, he was 
called by the church, and began his labors in May, 1861, and closed 
them March, 1864. The Rev. R. M. Campbell supplied the church 
for sometime, beginning in 1866. During Mr. Campbell's time W. 
M. Horner and John Holt were elected ruling elders. The Rev. 
William Prideaux served this church till xVjjril, 1868. 

In March, 1869, the churches of Moshannon and Snow Shoe 
made a call for the Rev. W. O. Wright for one-half of his time. 
Though Mr. Wright had preached for this people previously, he 
entered formally on his work July 17, 1869, and on May 10, 1870, 
was installed pastor of the churches of Moshannon and Snow Shoe. 

The Snow Shoe church was incorporated on August 24th, 1868. 
The entire cost of the building and furnishing, was $3,399.83 — of 
this am<nint $1,780.30 was contributed by members of the Belle- 
fonte & Snow Shoe Railroad Compan}^ and Bellefonte friends. A 
friend of R. H. Downing, president of the company, contributed 



o2(i IXBUSTRIES AXT) rXSTITlTIOXf? 

$700, and the balance, $549.43, by John S. 8oninicrville and son. In 
July, l''^69, this church Aras consolidated with the Moshannoji church, 
which thus constituted one ecclesiastical organization. At this time 
there were only two members at Snow Shoe, viz: John 8. Summer- 
ville ajid Mrs, Sarah Sonnnerville, his wife; but, on the above date 
sixteen persons were added to the church. At this time the Rev. 
W. (). Wright was pastor elect of the church of Moshannon and 
Snow Shoe, and on the 10th of May, 1870, he was installed pastor, 
the Rev. W. T. Wylie of Bellefonte, and the Rev. Robert Hamill, 
D.D., officiating. Eighty-eight persons have united with the Snow 
Shoe branch. The elders, at this date, are John S. Sommerville, J. 
Harbison Holt, William Askey and T. D. Weaver. 

The Milesburg church was erected by the Bellefonte Presbyterian 
church. In 186H this church was organized by a committee of the 
Presbytery of Huntington, The sacrament of the Lord's suppei- 
was first observed Sept. 20, 1868, and eight new members united with 
the church, during which time the Rev. W. O. Wright was stated 
supply of the church, and installed pastor May 10, 1870. June 21, 
J. H. Linn, Daniel P. Shope and William B. Thomas were elected 
ruling elders. Since March 5, 1868, to the present tiine, Xovend)er, 
1877, seventy-three persons have united with this church, which, 
with the original eighteen, make ninety-one. This church has had 
but one pastor since its organization— the Rev. W. (). Wright. 

QUAKKM. 

The Quakers were among the first settlers of that part of ('enlre 
county known as Bald Eagle valley and Half Moon townshij). 
Prom Muncy, from Adams, and from Chester county, came the 
Fishers, the Wilsons, the Spencers, the Moores, and the Givens, with 
others, men of high nnn-al character, the efiects of whose honest 
industry were seen in the rapid opening and improvement of the 
country around, and whose descendants in many cases still occupy 
the land held by their fathers. At least two meeting houses were 
built bv them, one of which is still in use, while others have since 
been built in that ))art of the county. About 1828 the memorable 



OK CICNTKIC COUNTY. •>-* 

<livisioii took place wh'K-li dividfd tlu' society oi' Friends into two 
distinct parties, called, res})ectively, Hicksite, and Orthodox. 

Prior to tlie year li^'M) tliere was no Friend's nieeting house in 
Bellefonte. Ahout that time Georo-e Valentine and his hrothers, 
with their partner, William A. Thomas, determined to huild one on 
their own ground, and at their own expense, for the accomniodatioii 
of any Friend, who miglit desire to hold a nie(>ting. They were all 
by birth members of the society, and after the buildini:' was finish- 
ed, they inyited William Fisher, and some others from Half Moon, 
to come and open the house for regular use. It was done, and from 
that time meetings haye been held in it on tlie Firstday and Fourth- 
dav of every week. In 1<S;]7 a commitlee from Baltimore yearly 
meeting visited Bellefonte, and, after consultation and exchange of 
opinion with the Friends of Bellefonte, tiie latter united with the 
body of Orthodox Friends. They were formally created into a 
monthly meeting and made part of Dunning's Creek (Quarterly 
Meeting in Bedford county, which is now held alternately in Belle- 
fonte and at Dunning's Creek, and reports annually to the Orthodox 
yearly meeting of Friends in Baltimore. 

The rise of the Friends' meeting in Bellefonte seems worthy of 
some notice. It was established by four or five men, who, making 
no special profession of religion, yet yielded to a simple apprehension 
of duty, and built a house for the worshii) of God. All of them 
became faithful, humble followers of the Lord Jesu.s, and to one of 
them was committed the nunistry of the Gospel of Christ. 

"Friends' meeting" is still regularly held in Bellefonte, and is 
largely comi)osed of the descendants of those who established it. — 
Mrs. Ja/iu Valviiihie. 

REFORMED. 

Among the early settlers of the county were a numl-»er of mem- 
bers of the Reformed church. Of these may be named Revs. Jona- 
than Rahauser, (1789-1792), George Geistweit, (1794-1.^04), .Tacob 
Dieffenbach, (1808-1810). Rev. Yost H. Fries, having visited the 
Aaronsburtr and Rebersburg congregations twice in \M\. became 



328 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

their regular pastor in 1812. The latter he served until about 1827 
and the former until about 1838, Rev. Henry Rassnian Avas the 
first Reformed minister who resided in Centre county. In April, 
1812, at the advanced age of 59 years, hq was licensed to preach and 
at once became pastor of all the Reformed churches in the county, 
excepting the two congregations served by Rev. Fries. At first 
there were only three congregations and forty-five communicants in 
his charge. By his industry and zeal, however, the churches were 
multiplied. In 1827 he was compelled, by the infirmities of age, to 
lay down his shepherd's crook, and on December 23, 1832, died 
at the age of 79 years, 8 months and 3 days. 

Rev. B. S. Schneck, D.D., who, since 1825, had been stationed at 
Snydertown, became Mr. Rassman's successor in January, 1828, and 
also that of Mr. Fries in the Reberslnirg congregation. He was now 
the pastor of all the Reformed congregations, save Aaronsburg, in 
Penn's, Brush, Sugar and Nittany valleys. These were seven in 
number. Bringing youthful vigor and ardor to the work, and being 
possessed of more than ordinary preaching powers, he labored in 
this vast field with encouraging success until June, 1832, when he 
was succeeded by Rev. P. S. Fisher. The latter was plain, prac- 
tical and popular as a preacher, and highly esteemed as a man. To 
his faithful and efficient labors the Reformed church in this county 
is very largely indebted. In the course of about a year he added to 
this already large and laborious field the Aaronsburg congregation. 
Such was his success that he not only organized but also laid the 
foundation for other congregations. When he closed his pastorate 
here in October, 1857, the field which he alone originally occupied 
was so extended and strengthened that there were five pastoral 
charges, with twenty-one congregations and one thousand three 
hundred and forty-five communicant uiembers in it. 

There are now eighteen congre'gations with about one thousand 
three hundred and fifty communicants in the county. Below we 
give the names by which congregations are most commonly known. 
With these are given, in parenthesis, the time when and the 
names of the clergymen by whom they were organized, as correctly 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. ."29 

as the writer was able to ascertain : Kehershurg, (1790*, J. Kaliaii- 
serf); Aaronsl)urtr, (1790^^,1. Raliauserf) ; Penn's Creek, (1801, 
O. Geistweitf) ; Jacksonville, (1812, H. Rassnian); Loop, (1812, 
H. Rassnian); Boalsburg, (1822*, H. Rassman) ; Madisonburg, 
(1832*, P. 8. Fisher); Union, (1885*, P. S. Fisher); Bellefonte, 
(Dee. 1886, E. KiefFer) ; Pine Grove, (Jan. 1887, E. KiefFer) ; 
Zion, (1844, W. R. Yearick); Pine Hall, (1850*, P. S. Fisher) ; 
Marsh Creek, (1852, W. R. Yearick) ; 8t. Paul's, (Oct. 1852, M. A. 
Hniith); Centre Hall, (Dec. 11th, 1858, P. 8. Fisher); Nazereth, 
(1857, D. G. Kline); Grace Chapel, (1869*, W. G. Engle) ; Sny- 
(lertown, (1825, B. S. Schneck, D.D.). 

The Boalsburg charge is now composed of the Boalsburg, Loop, 
Centre Hall, Pine Hall and Pine Grove congregations. It was 
served by Rev. B. S. Schneck, D.D., (died April 19, 1874), 1828- 
1882; Rev. P. S. Fisher, (died May 22, 1873), 1882-1857; and 
by Rev. W. H. Groh, the present pastor, since December 20, 1857. 

The Bellefonte charge is now composed of the Bellefonte and 
Zion congregations. It was served by Rev. E. Kiefler, (died May 
11,1871), 1886-1840; Rev. J. L. Reber, (died August 1,1856), 
1848-1844; Rev. W. R. Yearick, 1844-1852; Rev. G. T. Foy, 
(deposed 1858), 1852-1858; Rev. J. S. Shade, 1854-1856; Rev. D. 
G. Klein, 1857-1868 ; Rev. E. S. Sheip (died July 26, 1866), 1864- 
1866; Rev. D. W. Kelley, (died Feb. 8, 1877),' 1867-1868; Rev. 
D. M. Wolf, 1870-1878; Rev. H. King, the present pastor, since 
1873. 

The Rebersburg charge has been modified since its existence 
in 1848. It now consists of six congregations of which only three, 
namely, Rebersburg, Madisonburg and Grace Chapel, are in this 
county. It was served by Rev. J. L. Reber, 1843-1844 ; Rev. W. 
R. Yearick, 1844-1847 ; Rev. J. D. Zehring, 1847-1851 ; Rev. D. 
S. Tobias, (died Oct. 29, 1864), 1851-1864 ; Rev. C. F. Hoftmeier, 
(died April 19,1877), 1865-1868; Rev. W. G. Engle, 1868-1872 ; 
and by Rev. W. M. Landis, the present pastor, since 1872. 

The Nittany charge was constructed in different ways since its 
organization in 1847. It now consists of five congregations. The 

*Mean9 about. tMeans probably. 



330 INDUSTKIKS AND INSTITUTIONS 

following three only are in this county, viz : Jacksonville, Siiyder- 
town and Marsh Creek, and since 1847 has been served by Revs. W. 
R. Yearick, P. A. Schwartz, I. S. Weisz, J. K. Millet, H. D. 
Darbaker and G. P. Hartzell, the present pastor. 

The Aaronsburg charge was organized in 1852, and is composed 
of four congregations, viz : Aaronsburg, Penn's Creek, Union and 
St. Paul's, and since 1852 has been served by Revs. M. A. Smith, 
L. C. Ednninds, S. Kuhn, C. H. Reiter, and J. G. Shoemaker. 

Each of these eighteen congregations has a house of worship, but 
seven are so-called " Union " churches, owned conjointly by Reformed 
and Lutherans. Some are comparatively new. Each pastoral 
charge possesses a good parsonage. It is estimated that all this 
church property is worth about $50,000. 

In her early history in this county she made exclusive use of the 
German language in her religious services, but the English language 
was gradually introduced, and now more than one-half her worship 
is conducted in this language. — Rev. W. H. Groh. 

UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 

At an early day a log church was built by these peo})le upon or near 
the site of their present building in Bellefonte. Among the early 
and earnest workers of the denomination in Centre county, were the 
Roops, Waites, James Barthurst, for many years a local preacher, 
Martin Houser, Alexander Edmiston, Solomon Barlet, and Abra- 
ham Switzer. Centre county is included in the Eastern district of 
Allegheny Conference, and is divided into three circuits, each oi' 
which is in charge of a regularly ordained minister, besides whom 
there are ten local preachers in the district. Rev. W. H. Mattern 
is pastor of the Bellefonte circuit; Rev. J. F. Tallhclm of Port 
Matilda circuit ; and Rev. J. M. Smitli of Millheim circuit. There 
are in all fifteen cluircli buildings in the district, and an aggi'egate 
membership of not less than six huiifh-ed, with fifteen Sabbath- 
schools, having seven Juindrcd luemhers. 



OF ("KNTUIO COUNTY. \V,]\ 



HOTELS 



THE BUSH HOWE. 

^ipilHIS hotel, Olio of the luim'st in Central Pciinsvlvania, was 
;I3e| built in 1868-9, by D. G. Bu.sh, Es(j., whose name it bears. 
'^ivM It is h:)cated in Bellefonte, one of the most attractive towns in 
the State, near the passeii,ij:er depot of the B. E. V. R. R., on an 
island formed by Sjiring- creek and the race, which conveys water 
from that stream to the mills l)elow. The building has a front of 
one hun(b-ed and forty-hve feet on Higli street, and a wing at each 
end of one huiKb-ed and twenty feet. It is substantially built of 
l)rick, four stories high, and (-ontains one hundred and twenty-five 
sleeping apartments, with ample acconnuodations for three hundred 
o-uests. The house is su])plied with all modern conveniences, and is 
thoroughly ventilated. The halls, twenty feet wide, extend the 
entire length of the building. Every floor is supplied with cold 
spring water, and hot and cold baths. The dining room is com- 
modious and pleasant. The parlor is a most attractive room, on the 
second floor, overlooking the swift-running waters of Spring creek. 
The beautiful spring {Bellefonte) is within a few rods of the house, 
cold, sparkling and inviting. 

The Bush House was built expressly for the accommodation of 
summer boarders, at a cost of S60,000, and S.'>0,000 for furnishing. 
During several seasons, since it was opened, it has been literally 
crowded with guests from the cities. There are many attractions in 
the neighborhood of Bellefonte ; the town itself is a model of neat- 
ness and beautv. To the health, or pleasure seeker, there is no 



J582 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

place in the State that offers greater inducements tlian does this. 
To the sojourner of a few weeks, the })ure water, and cool and brac- 
ing air has an exhilerating effect ; invalids are almost invariably 
benefitted by being brought here from other less favored localities. 
In the vicinity are mineral springs, said to be of great medicinal 
value. Numerous trout streams are within a short distance of the 
town, and some of the finest views in nature are to be had in the 
immediate neighborhood. An object of especial interest to tourists 
is the cave in Penn's valley, two hour's drive from the hotel. 
Through this cavern flows a navigable stream, upon which boats 
may be launched and rowed through its gloomy length. In the 
brief space allotted to this sketch it is impossible to describe all the 
attractive features of this region. Suffice to say, Bellefonte and its 
surroundings, present to the visitor all the advantages and charms 
that could be desired. 

The Bush House is now under the proprietorship of Mr. Frank D. 
McCollum, late of Pittsburg, and to him belongs the credit of estab- 
lishing for it a reputation second to that of no other house in Central 
Pennsylvania. He is obliging, gentlemanly, and attentive to the 
wants of his guests, and whoever has the fortune to stop at this 
house while he is in charge, will be treated courteously and receive 
all requisite attention. 

Daniel G. Bush, the founder of this house, was born in Oranville 
township, Bradford C(ninty, Pa., March 28, 1826. His father's name 
was Joseph Bush and a niill-wright liy trade. His mother was a 
daughter of John Putnam, who about the year 1818 moved from 
Great Barrington, Mass., to Granville and there located. He was a 
Revolutionary soldier, having entered the service at the age of 
thirteen and served three years. He w as a man of great decision of 
character, tenacity of purpose, and integrity. He had the genuine 
Putnam metal, and would not have fiinchcd at entering a wolf's den 
any more than did his illustrious relative — Gen. Israel Putnam. 

His paternal grandfather, Daniel Bush, settled in Litchfield- 
Bradford ccninty. Pa., about the year 1807. He possessed more than 
average ability, having received a very libei-al education for that, 



C)F CKXTRi: COUNTY. 



333 



(lav, iu coiiseqiiencc oi' bein^- (•ri[)i)lc'(l as a result of ii broken leg 
whieli was improperly set. Being unable to work for several years, 
be devoted bis time to study. He was a good surveyor and a mill- 
wrigbt. About tbe year 17{^>8 be was enrployed by tbe fSpanisb 
governmeut to survey in wbat is now tbe State of Louisiana, but 
owing to tbe malaria of tbat region be remained but a sbort time. 
He afterwards surveyed tbat portion of New York State where 
Auburn now stands, and reiused to take bis pay in land witbin wbat 
is now tbe eity limits, at one dollar and twenty -five cents per acre. 
His father was an officer in the French war, and was under Wash- 
ington at Braddock's dei'eat. 

The subject of this sketch received his early education principally 
in the cbinniey corner. jNIany an evening be spent in study, lying 
upon his back on a short board, one end of which rested upon the 
floor and tbe other upon the hearth of a cook stove, with no other 
light than that obtained tbrough tbe open stove doors. While thus 
engaged during the evenings his days were spent in plowing and 
attending to farm work generally. Occasionally, however, he 
attended the district school two or three months daring the winter. 

He remained with his parents at the place of his birth until he 
was about fifteen years old, when his mother died, and his father, 
becoming somewhat involved tbrough bailing bis neighbors, the 
family Avas separated, ea<'h child going to a ditterent place. Daniel 
G. went to work on the farm of his uncle, Luman Putnam, where 
•he continued through the spring, summer and fall, then went to the 
district school the following winter. In 184(5 he entered his name as 
law student in the office of Ulysses Mercur, Esq., of Towanda, Pa., 
and read whenever time allowed while teaching his first school, in 
the winter of tbat year, in New Albany, Bradford county, Pa., at 
ten dollars per month, and " boarded around." 

In tbe following spring he determined to enter Whitestown Semi- 
nary near Utica, N. Y., but lading to get the money due for teach- 
ing his winter's school, he started, in opposition to the advice of his 
friends, with wbat little money be was able to raise from other 
sources, amounting in all to eleven dollars, three dollars of which 



334 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

proved to be counterfeit, with the })roniise that the money due him 
from the directors, and also some due from others for work, would 
he sent him, — he started with his entire wardrobe and books in an 
old-fashioned valise, which was swung over his shoulder and carried 
by means of a stick. Thus equipped, with a staff in his hand, he 
made the trip to the Mohawk, a distance of about two hundred 
miles, on foot, as that mode of travel was better suited to his means 
than by public conveyance. He arrived about the 1st of April, 
1847, and stopped at a hotel kept by two young men — one an attor- 
ney by the name of Schofield, On visiting the school he found that 
each student must provide his own bed, though each room was fur- 
nished with a bed rack, stove, table and two chairs, for the use of 
which one dollar per term, of fourteen w'eeks, was charged. After 
spending a day or two in looking around he felt doubtful about 
providing a bed with the few dollars he had left, and as men were 
being recruited for the Mexican war, he seriously thought of enlist- 
ing, and with that idea went to Mr. Schofiehl, the landlord, for 
advice, and after telling him of his financial condition, expectations 
and aspirations, received advice which shaped his subsequent career. 
Schofield was jileased with the pluck of young Bush in disregarding 
the advice of his relatives and starting out to get a better education, 
and advised him to stick to his original plan and not enlist, and 
offered to furnish a j)ortion of his bedding ; and Mr. Bush from that 
time on applied himself most energetically to the acquisition of 
knowledge. After paying his bill at the hotel he had only twenty- 
five cents left. As the April nights were most too cool for him to 
stay in his room without a fire, he applied at a wood yard for credit 
for one dollar's worth of wood, but was refused, whereupon he in- 
vested his remaining twenty -five cents, procuring therefor ^ive sticks, 
which he cut up and took to his room, arid by economy he made it 
last through the session. He then wrote home to each party owing 
him, for a remittance. After anxiously waiting what seemed to him 
a long time, he was one day informed by the postmaster, that there 
were three letters for him in the office, with fifteen cents postage due 
upon them. Ashe had not one cent, he was in a dilemma; but the 



OF CKNTIIE COUNTY. 335 

postmaster kindly allowed liiiii to take the letters, after hearing a 
statement of his case, with the understanding that he would pay 
the postage the next day. So, with expectations rather high, taking 
it for granted that out of the three letters he would get some money, 
he opened them, and instead of money they contained nothing but 
repi'oaches and censure for him for being so headstrong as to go off 
to school, as he did, without money. The writers intimated that, 
although they owed him, they were in no hurry, under the circum- 
stances, to pay him. His feelings, at this stage of affairs, can be 
better imagined than described — his word pledged for the payment 
of fifteen cfents the next day, with no pros])ect whatever of raising it. 
As all at school were strangers to him he did not feel at liberty to 
ask for the loan of the required amount. Learning that a gentle- 
man in the neighborhood was fitting up a large garden, and wished 
to employ men to Avork it, he offered his services, four hours per 
day, as he had that much time outside of study houi-s for physical 
exercise, Avhich were accepted ; his wages to be six and a quarter 
cents per hour, and he soon earned enough to pay his postage bill. 
He continued working at the same rate till the garden was put in 
order. Saturdays he worked for the farmers in the neighborhood, 
at fifty cents per day. At the close of the term he found himself 
in debt twenty dollars, for tuition, board, &e., and no money to pay 
it with. In this emergency he contracted to work one month for a 
farmer, in the hay field, for twenty dollars and board. At the end 
of the month he was paid twenty-five dollars, as the man for whom 
he worked said he had fidly earned it. With the money he paid 
his debts, and worked till the close of vacation — two weeks longer — 
in the harvest field, for one dollar per day. When he commenced 
his second term at the Seminary he determined to pay as he went. 
In order to do so it was necessary for him to economise, so he decided 
to board himself, as he thought he could do it much cheaper than 
boarding by the week. He, therefore, provided himself with some 
corn meal, molasses, and a few pounds of rice, and did his own cook- 
ing during the entire session, using no meats nor butter. The actual 
cost of his board, for the term, was just thirty-one cents per week. 



836 INDUSTRIES; AM) IKSTITt/TIONS 

The following winter he taught yehool near Owego, N. Y., and in 
the spring of 1848 went to White Deer valley, Lycoming county, Pa., 
and taught there one year, then took the general agency for Penn- 
sylvania for the sale of Pelton's Outline Maps. 

This business he continued, in connection with teaching, and 
introducing Sanders' series of readers into schools, until 185G, 
paying all the money he made to D. B. Cotton of Athens, Pa., 
(with whom he had formed a co-partnership in purchasing lots,. and 
building houses there), until he had furnished him about three 
thousand dollars. 

In June, 1856, he settled in Bellcfonte and re-commenced the 
study of law. Was admitted in the next April and commenced 
practice the following summer. About that time he received notice 
that his partner in Athens had taken the title of the firm's property 
in his own name, mortgaged it for all it was worth, and left. He 
immediately went to Athens, but instead of saving anything out of 
the wreck, found a firm debt there of tAvo hundred dollars which he 
had to pay. Thus the savings of about eight years were swept away 
leaving him not worth five hundred dollars. 

In 1857 he was appointed mercantile appraiser for the county by 
the board of commissioners, who were then Democratic fo]" the hrst 
time since the triumph of the Know-nothing party. He had taken 
a very active part in the campaign of 1856, when the county gave 
about three hundred Democratic majority against five hundred 
majority the other way the year before. 

In December, 1857, he was married to Miss Louisa Tomb, 
daughter of Gen. Geo Tomb of Jersey Shore, Pa., and permanent- 
ly located in Bellefontc at the practice of the law Being naturally 
of a speculative turn of mind, he soon became extensively engaged 
in the real estate business. In 1862 he took George M. Yocum into 
his office as law partner, and in a few years retired from the active 
practice of law himself, having enough other business and interests 
to occupy his whole time. 

In 1868 Centre county presented his name to the Congressional 
conference for the nomination for Congress ; but Clinton county 



OF CENTRK COITXTY. o-')? 

Iiaving offered L. A. Miickey as a candidate, Mr. Bush desired his 
name to bo witlidrawi), as it was g-enerally conceded that Mr. Mackey 
would poll a larger vote in the district than any other man in the 
Democratic party. He was nominated, but d(>feated, how(,'ver, at 
the polls, as the district was then largely Republican. In 187o the 
Congressional district was changed and became Democratic. In 
1874 Mackey was again a candidate and elected. In 187(> Centre 
county the second time presented the name of INIr. Bush for Con- 
gress, but at the conference he desired tlie withdrawal of his name 
in favor of Hon. L. A. Mackey, who was a candidate for re-election, 
it having been customary throughout the State for a number of 
years for a member of Congress to represent his district at least two 
ti'rms, and Mr. B. did not wish to see the usage broken in this case, 
as Mr. Mackey had made a very acceptable member and acquitted 
himself creditably. 

As an active and energetic business man Mr. Bush has few 
superiors. To him the borough of Bellefonte is indebted for some 
of its most valuable improvements. In 1865 he commenced building 
by the erection of a fine private residence. The following year he; 
built what is known as ".Bush's Arcade," a brick block near Spring 
creek, one hundred and twenty-seven feet long and sixty feet deep. 
The third story is devoted to a public and a Masonic hall. In 1867 
he put up six dwellings, and the next year commenced the " Bush 
House." The same year he also built the fine brick block opposite 
the Bush House and fourteen dwellings. In 1869 he erected a block 
of three dwellings — in all twenty-seven buildings. 

In 1868, in connection with others, he established the Bellefonte 
glass works, and in 1873 took a very active part in the construction 
of the Bellefonte car works. He not only furnished the water power 
valued at twenty-five thousand dollars, but subscribed one-tenth of 
the amount required to be raised by the town for the purpose of 
securing the location of the works at that place, and afterwards took 
five thousand dollai's' worth of stock. In addition to his other spec- 
idations and operations, he has been extensively engaged in the 
lumber business. 



338 INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

GABMAN HOUSE. 

This hotel occupies a buikling of considerable historical interest. 
A portion of it, at least, is one of the old landmarks of past gener- 
ations. It was erected at a period, probably, not later than 1800, 
bv whom it is difficult to ascertain, as there are various opinions 
concerning its actual builder and first owner. It is known, how- 
ever, that it was occupied in 1806 by Judge Jonathan Walker as a 
residence, but just how long he continued in possession is uncertain. 
The original structure — that occupied by Judge Walker — was built 
of stone, and remains to-day in as good a state of preservation, 
apparently, as it was when first erected, three-quarters of a century 
ago. When this house was built Bellefonte was a very small col- 
lection of buildings. Indeed it was hardly entitled to the name 
village. The changes that have taken place — the improvements 
that have been made in the vicinity since then, have transformed 
the place into a prosperous centre of wealth, refinement and intelli- 
gence. There is an uncertainty also as to the precise time when the 
house was opened to the public as a hotel, but it was probably pre- 
vious to 1810. The first landlord was William Alexander, who 
conducted the house for some time. Since his day it has been 
occupied by quite a number of different individuals, among them 
Benjamin Bennett, well-known by many of the older citizens of 
Bellefonte. In 1828 one of the rooms — the one now used for a 
sitting room — was occupied by Mr. Henry Broekerhoff as a store. 

Owing to its proximity to the court house and business centre of 
the town, this house early gained a large share of country patronage, 
which it has retained to the present time, the members ot the 
farming community generally making it their headquarters while 
transacting their business in town. 

For many years this hotel was called the " Franklin House," and 
under that name was well known throughout the county ; but when 
the present owner and proprietor, Mr. Daniel Garman, took posses- 
sion of it in 1861 its name was changed to the "Garman House." 
At the time it was purchased by Mr. Garman its accommodations 



OF CENTRE COUNTY. 339 

were exceedingly limited as compared with what they arc to-day. 
It then contained only fourteen or fifteen rooms. Now it has 
upwards of seventy, the result of im])rovements made within the 
past few years. Then it could not conveniently accommodate 
twenty-five guests ; now it can board and lodge one hundred and 
fifty. The entire length of the building, (including a large brick 
addition recently built on the south end), is one hundred and twenty 
feet. It occupies a very desirable location on High street within a 
few yards of the court house and convenient to the principal business 
houses of the town. A portion of the lower floor is occupied by 
attorneys' offices, and one apartment is used as a harness and 
saddler's shop opened in 1875. It is conducted by Mr. Garman's 
son, Allen S. Garman. In connection with the hotel there is a good 
livery stable, supplied with a sufficient number of horses and 
carriages to accommodate all ordinary demands. 

Mr. Daniel Garman, the proprietor of the hotel, was born in 
Dauphin county, near Harrisburg, on the 12th of February, 1820. 
His father, whose name was George Garman, followed the occupation 
of farmer, and in the same pursuit the son was employed till he 
reached the age of twenty-two years. He then, having had no other 
educational advantages except those of the common schools, em- 
barked in business for himself, locating in Jersey Shore, Lycoming 
county. Pa., where he was engaged for a number of years at the 
trade of jeweller. Subsequently he opened a livery stable in the 
same place, which he conducted till 1856, when he removed to Lock 
Haven, Clinton county. Pa., and there resumed the jewelry business. 
He remained in Lock Haven three years, at the expiration of which 
time he permanently located in Bellefonte, and again commenced 
operations as a livery keeper. After remaining in Bellefonte about 
two years he purchased the hotel property above described. 



'640 IMDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 

BE CKERHOFF H WE. 

This house, one of the largest in the State, outside of the cities, 
was built in 1866 by Mr. Henry Brockerhoff, who came to this 
country from Germany in 1822. The building occupies a central 
position in Bellefonte, and is complete in every respect. D. K. 
Cummings, formerly of the Merchant's Hotel, in Philadelphia, is 
the present proprietor. 



LUMBER 



^ifeHE annual production of Lumber in Centre county is of con- 
|K*M siderable magnitude, the greater part being produced at 
^^ Philipsburg and vicinity. The following are the i)rincipal 
manufacturers and dealers : Holt, Munsou & Co., 3,500,000 feet ; 
D. W. Holt, 6,500,000 ; Jones, Alport & Co., 8,500,000 ; Hoover, 
Harris & Co., 4,500,000 ; Hoop, Irwin & Co., 1,500,000 ; John S. 
Gray, 500,000 ; Wagner, 500,000— making 25,500,000 feet, board 
measure. The above firms manufacture, annually, about 10,500,-. 
000 lath and shingles. 

The following are the principal operators east of the mountains 
in Centre county : P. B. Cryder & Son, of Snow Snoe, 7,000,000 ; 
J. W. Cook, Beech Creek, 1,000,000 ; Chaney & Thompson, Port 
Matilda, 1,500,000; E. M. Sturdevant, Julian Furnace, 5,000,000, 
and about 5,000,000 by the following firms: Hoover & Keece, Port 
Matilda ; J. F. Williams, Martha Furnace ; Henry Hoover, Julian 
Furnace; Jacob Cryder, Intersection; J.K.Miller, Centre Hall ; 
W. J. Thompson, Potter's Mills; Musser & Gephart, Po valley. 
The above firms also manufacture about 8,000,000 lath and shingles 
— making a grand total of 45,000,000 feet, board measure, and 
18,500,000 lath and shingles. In addition to the above J. H. Holt 
and others, manufacture and raft down the Susquehanna river about 
500,000 feet, cubic measure. The above facts and figures are as 
nearly correct as is possible to obtain them. 



APPENDIX. 



SOLDIERS OF THE LATE WAR FURNISHED BY CENTRE 
COUNTY. 

Tbo following facts in relation to the part taken by Centre county sol- 
diers in the suppression of the Southern Rebellion, are from an address de- 
livered at Milesburg, by Gen. W. H. Blair, before the Veteran Club of 
Centre county, on the 17th of Sept., 187-4. There were companies composed 
wholly or in part of Centre county soldiers in thirteen regiments, varying 
from seven companies down to one — in the 1st, 2d and 7th Cavalry, Gth 
Reserves, 45th, 49th, 5l3t, 53d, 5Gth, 93d, 148th, 184th and 200th, Pa. Vol., 
while there were individual soldiers and squads from the County in nearly 
every Regiment of the Federal Government, scattered all over the South, 
fighting in all important battles. The regiments in which there were Cen- 
tre county companies, were engaged in the following battles: Yorktovvn, 
the 49th, 53d and 93d; Williamsburg, 49th and 93d; Malvern Hill, 43d, 
93d and 5th Reserves; South Mountain, 45th, 51st, 5Gth and 5th 
Reserves; Antietam, 45th, 49th, 51st, 53d, 5Gth and 5th Reserves; Fred- 
ericksburg, 1st Cavalry, 45th, 49th, 51st, 53d, 93d and 5th Reserves; Chan- 
cellorsville, 53d, 5fith and 148th ; Gettysburg, 1st and 2d Cavalry, 53d, 
5fith, 93d, 148th and 5th Reserves; Vicksburg, 45th and 51st; Coal Harbor, 
1st Cavalry, 45th, 49th, 51st, 93d, 148th and 184th ; Reams Station, Wil- 
derness, 45th, 49th, 51st, 53d, 56th, 93d, 148th and 184th; Spottsylvania, 
45th, 49th, 51st, 53d, 5Gth, 93d .and 148th; North Anna, 45th, 53d, 56th 
and 148th; Weldon Railroad, 45th, 51st and 56th; Petersburg, 45th, 49th, 
51st, 53d, 56th, 93d, 148th, 184th and 200th. 



In addition to the above important and bloody battles, the 1st Cavalry 
was engaged at Drainsville, Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Gainesville, 
Brandy Station and Culpepper. The 2d Cavalry at Cedar Mountain, 
Todds Tavern, Fortification of Kichmond, Trevallion Station, St. Marys 
Church, Charles City Cross Eoads, Wyatts Farm, Boydtown Road, Depp 
Bottom and Chantilly; The 7th Cavalry, at Perryville, Murfreesboro, 
Stone River, Shelbyville, besides innumerable minor engagements and 
skirmishes; The 5th Reserves, at Second Bull Run, Charles City Cross 
Roads, Mechanicsville and Gainesville; The 45th, P. Y., at James Island, 
Capture of Vicksburg, Jackson, Blue Spring, Campbell Station and Seige 
of Knoxville; The 49th, P. V., at Mary's Heights, Sablem Heights and 
Occoquan ; The 51st, P. V., at Roanoke, Newbern, Camden, Second Bull 
Run, Chantilly, Hatchers Run, Campbell Station, Capture of Vicksburg, 
Seige of Knoxville and Jackson; The 53d, P. V., at Gaines Mill, Peach 
Orchard, Savage Station, Bristoe Station, Po River, Tolopotomy, J)i'<'\> 
Bottom and Strawberry Plains,; The 56th, P. V., at Gainesville, Bull Run, 
Cedar Mountain, Manassas, Upperville, Bethesda Church and Hatcher's 
Run; The 98d, P. V., at Mary's Heights, Salem Heights, Occoquan, 
Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek; The 148th, P. Y., at Bristoe Station, l\, 
River, Tolopotomy, Strawberry Plains and Deep Bottom ; The 184th, P. 
Y., at Deep Bottom and Boydtown Road; The 200th, P. Y., at Fort 
Steadman and Petersburg. 

The following is a list of members of the various companies recruited 
in Centre county, as given in Bates' History of Pennsylvania soldiers : 
OFFICERS OF THE H.Si'/) REGT. P. V., FROM CENTRE COUyTY. 



Col. .James A. BpavPi', 
Lt. Col. Robert MeFarhuie, 
Lt. Col.- George A. Fairlamb 
Lt. Col. James F Weaver, 
Maj. Robert H. Forster, 
Maj. George A. Bayard, 
Adgt. Robert Lipton. 
Artgt, James W. Muffley, 
Adgt. Charle.« A. Ramsey. 
Q. M. John G. Kurtz, 
Q. M. Samuel D. Mu-sser, 
Sergt. Uriah Q. Davis, 
As. Sergt., C. P. W. Fisher, 



A.S. Sergt., Alfred T. Hamilton, 
As. Sergt., John W. Allen, 
Chaplain William H. Stevens, 
Sr. Maj., Isaac N. Sloan, 
Sr. Maj., James E.Hall, 
Q. M. Sergt., W. C. Deviney, 
(Jom. Sergt., James P. Odenkirk, 
Com. Sergt., Lewis W. Ingram, 
Hos. St., William H. Maye.s, 
Hos. St., .lacob B. Krider, 
Muc, W. B. Harpster, 
Muc, Samuel D. Otto, 
Muc, Robert A. Cassiidy, 



COMPAXY "^," USth REGIMEST. 



Capt, Robert H. Forster, 
" John L. Johnson, 

1st Lieut., Simon S. Wolt, 
" Wesley W. Beirley, 
" Simon M. Spangler, 

•2d Lieut., Eras. J., Burkert, 
Daniel E. ShaflTer, 
" Jarred I. Jones, 

1st Sergt., J. A. Miller, 

Sergt., Thomas P. Meyer. 



Sergt., William Harper, 
Henr.v Miller, 
" Daniel Weaver, 
" George W. Leitzell 
" Elias Mingle, 

Corp., Samuel R. Getting, 
Jacob Breckbill, 
" Benjamine Beck, 
" Manassas Gilbert, 
" George Gorman, 



Corp.. 



Henry Crouse, 
Fred rl ok Limbert' 
David Rossnian, 
Levi Strayer. 
Henry Meyer, 
Thomas E. Royer, 
(ieorge M Rupp, 
Amo.s Erhard, 
Daniel Shaffer, 
Jacob Laniok, 



Corp., Daniel Miller, 
Musician, John B. Ziegler, 

IIIUVATES. 

Hierly, Soloman 
Bower, Diiniel 
Boob, Nnthaniel 
Boob, Levi 
Bressler, David 
Be; m, Jeremiah 
Bayer, Aflam 
Bierly, Charles 
Boob, William 
Bierly, J. B. 
Barr, Isaac 
Butler, Sidney J. 
Gorman, James 
Goncer, Henry G. 
Clapham, John 
Chestnut, William A. 
Crum, William 
Deininger, A. <). 
Dale, Solomon 
Deckert, James 
Eymior, William D. 
Emeriek, .laeob 
Edleman, Elias 
Fulmei', Tsaiah 
Fulmer, William 
Fulmer, Levi H. 
Fleck, James M. 
Fenny, Nelson 
Furley, Samuel K. 
Grim, John 
Grim, Adam 



Gueiser, Mathias 

• Gilbert, Moses 

Gilbert. Samuel 

Grove, Martin 

Garret, Griffin 

Gilbert, Noah 

Held, Charles H. 

Howe, Josiah 

Heckert, Tobias T. 

Helman, Heiirv 

Hanley, William M. 

Harper, Simon 

HafHey, John W. 

Johnson, .facob I). 

K reamer. Kideon 

Kreainer, .I(-sse 

Kleinfelter, Aaron 

Krape, Samuel 

Lanich, Cieorge W. 

Long, .lesse 

Long, Daniel 

Lanrich, Henry 

Lamy. Michael 

Loose, (ieorge S. 

Miller, John 

Messinger, James E. 

Miller, Ignatz 

Manus. Henry 

Mock, Morris 

Mock, .lose ill 

Miller Aaron 

Meyer, William P. 

j^laze, Israel 

I Meyer, James K. 
pIcMurry, James F. 
IMorthrop, Fenton L. 
COMPANY "B. 



Capt., James F. Weaver, 
vVilliam I). Harper, 
1st Lieut., J. C. P. Jones, 
•ind Lieut , J. E. McCartney, 
Sergt., D. H. Swyers, 
Samuel L. Barr, 
" John B. Like, 
•' M. F Conner, 
" George W. Lucas, 
" Thomas T. Taylor, 
" Alfred G. Moore, 
" Constance Barger, 
" George R. Huston, 
" W. J. J. Davidson, 
" Jacob Roop, 
Corp., George P. Hall, 

Samuel R. Mitchel, 
'■ .fohn I). Lucas, 
Edwin Searson, 
B. F. Harris, 
" William B. Peters, 
" A. S. Ammerman, 
" Daniel Sibert, 
" E. H. Poorman, 
" William Latta, 
" O. W. VanValin, 
" W. C. Ammerman, 
Musician Nathevvil Beerly, 
" Emory Huiton, 



R. W. Ammerman, 
Nelson Adams, 
Joseph Ammerman, 
J. W. Ashton, 
John Adams, 
.David Ammerman, 
|John T. Ammerman, 
Samuel Bryan, 
P. B. Brower, 
Michael Bush, 
James Barger. 
George Billet, 
John W. Biddle, 
Austin Brower, 

M. A. Brown. 

M. Beerly, 

George Bennett, 

Jacob Bear. 

John F. Byers, 

E. Brubaker, 

B. F. Baker, 

J. R. Brower, 

R. B. Beers, 

H. C. Bullock, 
T. A. Conaway, 
Fredritik Doughman, 
A. J. Draucker, 
John L. Durst, 



Otto, William 
Otto, Israel 
Parks, John 
Reish, John E. 
Rosenberg, Frank 
Roof, John 
Randall, John H. 
Reeder, John F. 
Roush, Jackson E. 
Strong, John 
Strayer, Samuel 
Stover, Elias 
Shively, John W. 
Stonebaugh. David 
Sixes, Josiah 
Smith, Levi H. 
Stover, Simon 
Stevens, John S. 
Troutman, Martin 
Weiser, Charles W. 
Werich, Thomas G. 
Whipple, Augu.?tus B. 
Webb, Jacob J. 
Wiler, Pnilip 
Wolf, William 
Wilcox, Isaac C. 
Woodling. Philip 
Weight, William 
Wolf, Franklin 
Wolf, Samuel 
Wolf, Charles A. 
Wolf, Harry 
Weight John 
Weis, Solomon 
Walker, Ira 
Zerby, Andrew 

Abel Davis, 
H. S. Deneen, 
J. G. Ehrhorn, 
William A. Fdminston, 
Jacob Flick, 
Henry F'ishel, 
Leonard Fredrick, 
8. Huling, 

C. F. Hurto, 
George W. Harris, 
V.nlentine Harris, 
James Huston, 

D. E. Hagy, 
W. H. Henry, 

IJames Hines, 
Cyrus Horner, 
Enoch Hugg, 
T. H. Irwin, 
Joseph Iddings, 
William H. Kreps, 
William Keeler, 
David Kline, 
William Knight, 
Jacob Kriner, 
Jacob Keyser, 
Joseph Keeler, 
Abraham Killinger, 
O. F. Kelley, 
Robert Lipton, 
John Lucas, 



APPENDIX. 



Jeremiah Lilly, 
William M. Lohr, 
J. W. Muffley, 
Jacob Mishler, 
John A. Moore, 
Charles Moon, 
Charles McGarvey, 
Godfrey Onsted, 
William Pisel, 
James Poorman, 
W. J. Parsons, 
John Peters, 
(Seorge Pheasant, 
Thomas Q'lick, 
A. B. Roan, 
Joseph F. Reiter, 



Capt., Robert M. Forster, 
■' Jacob B. Edmonds, 
" William E. Graham, 
" John F. Benner, 
1st Lieut., William H. Bible 
" Jacob R. Lander, 

" David C. Ralston, 

" Samuel Everhart, 

" Daniel Shuev, 
2d Lieut., Francis Sievenson. 
Sergt., Ezra B. Walter, 
" Frederick Yocinn, 
" John Craig, 
" Charles C. Harman, 
" James Knox, 
" John F. Swiler, 
" J. B. Stewart. 
" William C. Huey, 
" A. G. Carter, 
Corp., J. K. P. Ward, 
" Abraham Wertz 
" James Elenbarger, 
" John G. Robin.son, 
" Christian Lowry, 

Michael Hatt, 
" Patrick Campbell, 
" Christian Swartz, 
" Samuel BottorfT, 
" James Ray, 
" James T. Beck, 
" Wm. T. McCalmont, 
" N. M. Yarnell, 
" Hiland Biddle, 
" Thcmas C- Keys, 
" Lewis A. Wood, 
" J no. G. Matron, 
Muc, L. B. Bathurst 
\V. H. Harpster, 
" S. Dotts, 



Adams, A. 
Appleby, Jackson 
Allen, George N. 
Bumbarger, Thad C. 
Brown, George 
Baker, Webster D. 
Beck, David 



I James Rose, 
Richard Armor, 
'Jacob Shultz, 
John Shirk, jr., 
George Stone, 
S. C. Seavalt, 
Isaac Strait, 
Frederick Slegle, 
J. W. Sunday, 
Benjamin Sailor, 
W. Shroyer, 
James Shroyer, 
|W. Stone, 
(John Spotts, 
I Joseph Sidel, 
I John Shaflfer, 

COMPAXY "c: 

Baily, L 
Baird, Jacob 
Coble, John jr., 
Carter, J.-icob L. 
earner, James 
Cart in, Henrv 
Car.'-on, William 
Clark, William 
earner. William 
Campbell, William 
Cronamiller, Reuben 
Carver. Joseph 
Cline, John A. 
Corbin, Andrew N. 
Dearmont, James P. 
Dorman, Jacob 
Fulton, Llwellyn 
Fink, Abraham 
Funk, Martin 
Freed. Abraham 
Garbrick, Amos 
Uirater, Robert 
'Gates, George 
'(iates, Daniel 
Gill, Samuel 
Hershberger, Jonas 
Hoover, Samuel 
Hite, David H. 
Heiligstein, Seigfred 
Johnson, Andrew 
.Jones. William H. 
Johnstonbaugh, J. C. 
Johnston, J. 
Jackson, John 
Kreps, David 
Kline, Andrew J. 
Koontz, Isiah 
Lytle, William 
jjambert, William 
Lyman, Herbert W. 
Lee, Joseph 
Lyman, A. N. 
Lawson, Samuel 
Lytle, Elphraini 
Matts, Fabi.qn 
Mayes, J.ames I. 
Mosier, William 
Morey, William R. 
Mayes, Lewis 



I James W. VanValin, 

Charles Walter, 

Peter Wylan, 

B. P. Watkins, 

A. C. Watkins, 
(Samuel Wells, 
iWilliamH. Wertz, 
[George W. Walker, 
I Henry Wolf, 

S. D. With row, 
ll-tobert Wilan, 
I William Walker, 

Mathias Walker, 
I Samuel Yeager, 
I Isaac Zufall, 
I Benjamin Zimmerman. 



I Mayes, William H. 
Museleman, William 
Markle, Henry 
Mastly, John H. 
Mathews, George M. 
Mays, Miles M. 
McBath, Thomas 
McDowell, John 
Melvason, John 
Neil, Robert C. 
Nicholas, Samuel 
Norris, William H. 
Osnian, L. 
Ossman. George 
Pennington, Henry 
Ports, J W. 
Paul, Arichbald S. 
Pottsgrove, G. 
Ross, David 
Hish, D. K. 
Rhoades, J. R. 
Riffle, Abraham, 
Royer, Henry 
Swiler, Smith 
Swartz, Henry 
Smythe, William 
Sowers, Henry 
Sherwood, James 
Stickler, William 
Shields, P. M. 
Spicher, Michael 
Smith, David G. 
Suders, J. 
Swiler, Christian 
Shriver, J. W. 
Sherman, James E. 
Sowers, John C. 
Segnor, Simon 
Seese, Jacob 
Tate, Eli P. 
Thomas John 
Truckenmiller, Z. 
Vaughn. Christian 
Whitehill, Andrew G. 
Williams, Thomas 
West, John R. 
Ward, Amos 
Yctters, .Joseph 



APPENDIX. 



Capt., Andrew Blusser, 

" Alfred A. Rinehart, 
1st Lieut., John E. Thomas, 
" I. P. Musser, 
" John A. Burchfield, 
•2d Lieut., L. (;. Edmonds, 

William Gemmill, 
L. D. Kurtz, 
Sergt., John J. Fleming, 
W. D. Ross, 
•' S. P. Lansberry, 
" H. C. Campbell, 

A. B. Cross, 
" George M. Boal, 
" S. D. Musser, 
'■ J. C. Bathgate, 
" S. Harshbs»rgpr, 
Corp., W. P. Hollovvay, 
" D. L. Kerr, 
" J. H. Odenkirk, 
" John C. Rote, 
" S. Vonada, 
" C. F. Speaker, 
•' D. C. Hollowav, 
\V. J. Biekford. 
" Jacob Cory. 

Charles F. Johnson, 
" James Osman, 
" William Bible, 

William Weaver, 
" George \V. Seal, 
Muc John B. Holloway, 
" Franklin Mattern, 



Cjeorge W. Allen, 
S. Andrews, 
I). Acker, 
James Abbott, 
James Alvord, 
R.G. Bullock, 
M. Bower, 
N. Brown, 
J. H. Brobaker, 
M. Bumbaugh, 

B. F. Bloom, 
A.M. Bell, 
G. W. Bohn, 

C. Brubaker, 
George Byan, 
8. Burdiek. 

Capt., Martin Dolan, 
•• W. P. Wilson, 
.hieoh Breon, 
1st Lieut., Geo. W. Curran, 

Wm. Lucas, 
•2d Lieut., D. C. Freemen, 
Sergt., Wm. J. Maekey, 
J. A. San key, 
Ivobert A. Henry, 
SimoQ Barthurst. 
S. A. English, 
•' J. M. English, 
'' S. Stair, 



COMPANY "D." 
W. A. Caraer, 
L. Carbaugh, 
P. Close, 
A. Close, 
H. Coonfare, 
J. J. Dresher, 
S. B. Dennis, 
L. Divlebiss, 
J. Divlebiss, 
T. R. Davis, 
L. H. Davidson, 
F. Durst, 
John Durst, 
J. Dunkle, 
D. Etters, 
J. L. Evens, 
W. D. Eddv, 
O. VV. Elliott, 
J. H. Fortney, 
J. A. Fisher, 

D. F. Fortney, 

C. A. Fisher, 

E. D. Fox, 
.\. Fraser, 
H. Grim, 
J. Garis, 
W. Gable. 

D. Harsh barger, 
W. F. Heberling, 
J. Harner, 

C. Hart. 

M. V. Huffmaster, 
|D. H. Harps^er, 
I L Hoover, 
's. H. Hallaway, 
Ia. Hull, 

W. Heim, 
I P. S. Imboden, 
|J. Koch. 

J. L. Kreamer, 

J. M. Kepler, 

W. P. Krape, 

D. S. Keys, 

E. Kern, 

J. A. Kooney, 

J. Kane, 
It. K. Koek, 
Ij. G. Kain, 

W. Knarr, 

F. Koch, 
W. Long, 
J. L. Lynn, 

COMPANY " 



f:' 



Sergt., W. B. Phelps. 
■■ David Burrell. 
Corp., J. S. Riley. 
" Henry Heaton, 

J. VV.'Stringfellow. 

A. P. Leightley, 

W. Bainey, 

David Irvin, 

Wm. \. Jacobs, 
■• fi. W. Stetfey. 

James Potter, 

Reuben Shirk, 
■• C. Hinton, 



E. M. Lytzel, 

S. Lytzel, 

H. Long, 

J. Lytzel, 

G. Lytzel, 

D. Miiier, 

Daniel Miller, 

J. Marshal, 

L. Messimer, 

J. A. Murphy, 

D. Moore, 

A. G. Myers, 

H. V. McAlister, 

A. Nearhood, 

D. Ossman, 

John Pugh, 

S. L. Potter, 

G. W. Palsgrove, 

A. A Rankin, 

George Reeser, 

J. C. Reifsnyder, 

C. D. Runkle, 

W. A. Reed, 

C. A. Ramsey, 

J' Reeser, 

.1. Y. Stover, 

J. Stare, 

T. D. Stover, 

J. Shirey, 

S. Shunian, 

C. J. Smith, 

J. Stull, 

(i. Sweeney, 

J. Shu-k, 

P. Swislier, 

\V. Suttle, 

O. E. Sherman. 

VV. B. Smith, 

C. Stover, 

J. J. Stover, 
Samuel Shanon, 
H. Staymen, 
ti. Sliepherd, 
J. Van Sickle, 

D. H. Weaver, 
H. H. Weaver, 
D. H. VVance, 
D. N. Wolf, 

|(t. E. Williams, 
J. E. Wolf, 
IS. F. Winklebleck, 
I D. Young, 

Corp., W. H. Burrell, 

•■ U. T. Irvin, 
I " S. Kennelly, 

" David Shatter, 
Uluc, T. Minnich, 

PRIVATES. 

I W. W. Anderson. 

S. M. Abraham. 

George Armstrong, 

J<avid Behers, 
JVV. H. Berger, 



APPENDIX. 



W. C. Bennett, 
F. Bingman, 
.1. Bermoy, 
E. Boyer, 
J. J. Berger, 
John Cooney, 
W. Cares, 
H. Crawford, 
A. Cryder, 
J. Confare, 
George Cogan, 
J. Camp, 
L. W. Culver, 
S. Cryder, 
A. Creighton, 
J. G. Dent, 
G. W. Dunkle. 
C. D'lnlap, 

E. Fritz, 
M. Fox, 

J. E. Fleming, 
H. H. Graham, 
I. A. Hallett, 
C. C. Havener, 
G. M. Harnden, 

F. F. Hallingswortli, 
Edward Houston, 

A. Hulsizer, 
J. "W. Howard, 
I. Hallingswortli. 

Capt., R. McFarlane, 
" J. J. Patterson, 
" Isaae Lytle, 
" J. H. Harpster, 

1st Lieut., J. B. Edmonds 
" Joseph Fox, 

2d Lieut.. John Stuart, 

Sergt., W. L. Tavlor, 

Robert H. Patter.^ 
i' J. P. Shoop, 
" John Martz, 
" J. I. Cryder, 
" D. H. Heany, 
" .Samuel Everhart. 
" J. P. Odenlvirk. 
" J. M. Royer, 

Corp., L. Ketner, 
" Daniel Royer, 
" William A. Jacobs. 
" J. L. Harpster, 
" J. B. Irvin. 
" W. L. Bottortt; 
" A. Knopf, 
" William Berry, 
" George Glenn, 
" D. S. Keller, 
" George W. Ward, 
" George Duflfey, 
" W. S. Van Dyke. 

Mac., D. SohretBer, 
" M. Rider, 



C. Allen, 
J. H. Allen, 



B. Hoekenberry, 

James Henry, 

James O. Jordon, 

J. H. Jacobs, 

Ira Johnston, 

M. T. Ketner, 

D. Kennedy, 

A. Lord, 

D. J. Little, 

J. D. Lucas, 

J. Lininger, 
|J. Lingle, 
I B.illiam Lightner, 

M Little, 

W. H. MacUey, 

J.Mills. 

I William Miller, 
'Samuel Mottarn, 
I Henry Millan, 
jT. Morgan, 
IN. Miller, 

D. Marts, 
P. Mclntyre, 
J. MoKinley, 

Luke McAbee, 

Robert McCreary, 

M' MeGyness, 
J. MctJonnell, 

William A. Nichols. 
J. E. Nichols, 

COMPANY "G. 

J. B. Andrews, 
W. Bailey, 
G. K. Baker, 
N. E. Beans, 
I J. Bowers, 
B. D. Brisbin, 
William Betts, 
H. W. Bottorf, 
John H. Breon, 
V. A. Benskotre, 
B. F Beans, 
D. Condo. 
J. Condo. 

B, D. Condo, 

C. M. <'on<lo. 
J. Davison, 
B. F. Dunkle, 
William Devore, 
H. Eckinroth, 

|W. H. Fulton, 

I Henry Flisehei', 
IT. J. (3ates, 

W. H. Garbriek, 

Philip Glessiier, 

.lohn Ciilbert, 

George A Gilbert, 
I William N. Gross. 

Jackson Hartlev, 

F. M. Hess. 

Jonathan Hoff'ner. 
IW.C. Holahan, 
I Benjamin Housel, 
ISamuel Hamer, 
IW. A. Ishler, 

George W. Ishler, 
|T. Johnstonbaugli. 



H. S. Nolden, 

D. Oleewalce, 

W. A. Parker, 

William Perry, 

John Pennington, 

J. B. Proudfoot, 

J. Scntman, 

P. T. B. Smith. 

Edward Swab, 

John Swab. 

W. O. Steflfy, 

J. Sunderlan, 

D. Specht, 

John H. Smith, 

Charles Smull. 
Simon Sipe, 
|R. W. Steward, 

W. L. Steward, 
Thomas J. Spencer. 
G. M. Steftey, 
Washinirton Watsou, 
David White, 
Joseph Wilson, 
David VVands, 
William Watkins, 
B. Woodcock. 
Jacob Weilend, 
John Welsh, 
George Zulinger, 
Harrison Zeek, 



'Samuel Kelley, 
[George Koon, 
[William Koonsman, 
David Koonfeir, 
T. J. Lee, 
S. T. Lytle, 
James F . Martin, 
D. W. Miller, 
William Mitchell, 
John Meyers, 
J. H. Moyer, 
A. T. Murphy, 
T. M. May, 
I. W . Marks, 
I'D. G. Musser. 
Amos Myers, 
D. McCool, 
D. D. Me II batten, 
W. W. MoQuire, 
(i. D. Mellhatten, 
Reuben Page. 
John Piltman, 
William Pittman. 
Abraham M. Royer, 
Reuben Reed, 
S. T. Reed, 
John Rilev, 
A. B. Ros.s, 
John H. Rumbarger, 
S. J. Rager, 
George Shaffer, 
Thomas Singleton, 
David Stover, 
H. Sweetwood. 
W. V. Starliper. 
J. P. Starliper. 



APPENDIX. 



J. C. Sellers, 
D. "W. Shires, 
W. H. Swinehart. 
D. Shoemaker, 
S. H. Sny(Jor, 
J. A. Thompson, 



Capt., George A. Fairlamb, 
" George A. Bayard, 
" H. H. Montgomery, 
1st Tjieut., J. L. Johnson, 
" James B. Cook, 

Alexander Gibl^ 
2d Lieut., Wm. H. Stephens, 

Jno. A. Bayard, 
1st Sergt., J. A. J. Fugate, 
D. L. Sanders, 
D.H.Baiimgardner 
S. B. Wyland, 
" John Freeze, 

Samuel McKinley, 
Wm. Ward, 
H. K. Miller, 
T. loden, 
Corp.. E. Klintter, 
J. Liiduig. 
" Wm Snyder. 

Ci. W. Farnsler, 
'• H. Richards, 
R. Blaekhurne, 
W. G . Broady, 
•' J. D.Wagner, 
Corp., W. W. INlontgomery, 
•• R. Miles, 
'• J A. Fleck, 
G. H. JJeiman, 
Peter Frantz, 
Wm. McDonald, 
•' S.Sanders, 
" S. H.U, 

M. B. Lucas, 
Muc.. R. A. Cassady, 
Wm. Veager, 



W. A. Thompson, 
George Wasson, 
George A. Went, 
W. Wingard, 
John Wylan<I, 
J. A. "William.s, 

COMPANY '•//." 

Beals. J. E. 
Cassady, R. 
Carlton, J. W. 
Crissman J. A. 
Close, Wm. H. 
Clapp, IL H. 
Copenhaver, W. B. 
Clark, M. 
Dolph. J. 
Elder, R. 
Flack, N. 
Farley, D. G. 
Frantz, J. 
Funk, J. T. 
Funk, S. M. 
Fulton, R. 
Flinn, M. 
Garrett. C. 
Gahagan, J. W. 
Gunsallus, S. 
Green, J. 
Gephart, T. 
Goodan, D. 
Hudson, R, 
Hanes, G. 
Hunter, F. J. 
Ingram, Lewis W. 
Jones, Edward P. 
Jones. George T. 
Johnston, John 
Johnston, Henry 
Jones, David B. 
Kelly, RoV)ert J. 
Knippenburg, H. 
Kellerman, Wm. H. 
Kline, Henry 



Butler, S. 



Kline, David R. 
I Lambert, i >. B. 
iLonu, G. H. 
I Lucas, Wm. J. 



William Williams, 
S. W. Webb, 
H. H. Yarnell, 
George W. Yarlett, 
J. T. Young, 
John E. Youtz. 



Lebkeeher, M. 
Ludwig, William 
Mvton, Thomas W. 
Miller, Wyrman S. 
Montgomery, W. F. 
McKinney, William 
Mclntire, S. 
McClellan, Andrew J. 
Newcomer, John B. 
Oliver, William 
Orris, William 
Runk, Oscar L. 
Ross, M. M. 
Rankin, John K. M. 
Reeder, Frederick 
Spotts, Jacob 
Stiner, David 
Sanders. T. B. 
Shullz, William H. 
Shank, Jacob 
Sheeler, John 
Stonebraker. Jeremiah 
Smith, Alfred 
Steere, James A. 
Stonebraker, Valentine 
Sweetwood, Amos 
Sweetwood, Isaac 
Stewart, James 
Test. James M. 
iUzzle, lohn G. 
j Ulrich, Samuel 
' Walker, Philip 
Whippo, Charles (.). 
Woodring, W. D. 
Wants ITIysses 
Williams, John 
Yeager, Harrison 
Yothers, Adoniram 
Zimmerman. Benjamin 



COMPAQ r "i?." FIRST CAVALRY. 



('apt. 



.If, 



.If.niitliaii W 

U. H. I.iptoi 

•• M. L. French, 

•. .1. Newman, 

1st Lieut.. J. A. Bayard, 

" Samuel Lipton, 

W. 1'. Lloyed. 
•' John C. Akers, 

2d Lieut.. S.T. Murray. 

S. J. r)avenport, 
C. L. Buffington. 
A. M. Herrick, 
1st Sergt., W. S. Lint, 
q. M. Sergt.. W. C. Wilkey, 
Com. Sergt., William Wilson, 
Sergt., Jesse Frev, 
•• W. ('. Murry. 



Sergt., IT. H. McCullough 
•■ .1. L. Craft, 
■■ H. D. Atkins. 
■• .1. M, Howe, 
■ K. B. Holt. 
•• John Williams. 
Corp., John Cook, 

•• .lacob Raymond. 
Joseph Shook, 
W. Lowry, 
■• W. H. Buck, 
•' Joseph Suhlem, 
•' W. N. Esworthy, 
" S. S. Krotzer, 
'• J. V. Gault. 
I '■ William Wyland. 
1 Bugler Marion Alvey 



i'rivatk; 



T. R. .■\nderson. 
J. C. Bradlev, 
W. T. Buck, 
H.J. Boell, 
George Bruss, 
John Cheesman, 
Joseph Carney, 
Samuel Derr, 
M. Dewitt, 
J. H. Fox, 
M. Faucey, 
James Fulton, 
T. R. Fent«n, 
C. R. Fell. 
W. Giassmire, 



APPENDIX. 



William Garrett, 
Peter (jisewite, 
T. W. Grant, 
J. J. Gaull, 
D. W. Hunter. 
R. Hollabrtuxh, 
Frank HeeUendorn, 
Joseph Hatter, 
H. F. Hamilton, 
George .lames, 
M. Kress, 
Ciiarles Keyes, 
P. B. Kearns, 
James Keeys, 
Levi Kline, 
D. Kelley, 
H. Klapp, 
A. S. ICeyes, 
Jonas Lahman. 
T. Lam an, 
james Miller, 



Eli Mercer, 
Samuel Mills, 
Bernard Morrison, 
A. V. Miller, 
Hugh Martin, 
J. Frank M'Mullin, 
John Noll, 
Milton Nyman, 
A. B. Nyman, 
John Osborn, 
Fenton Phalon, 
Joseph Parr, 
Valentine Reese, 
James Rider, 
A. G. Rager, 
Reuben Roop, 
Alfred Rodger, 
C. Svvitzer, 
David Smith, 
William Shirk, 
William Summers, 
COMPANY 



ioth REOIME^i 
C'apt., John I. Curtin, ijohn Baughman, 

•■ Roland C Gheesemau, James Bodle, 
1st Lieut., Theadore Gregg, CJreen Brewer, 



W. P. Grove. 
C. W. Harrold, 
W. C. VanValin. 
2d Lieut., Joseph Fnnk. 
.Sergt.. John F. Hollahan. 
A. J. GoodCellow. 
Thomas Bathurst, 
John A. Dalev, 
" Mathew Riddle. 
'■ Jacob Mee.se. 
" George Young. 
" T. Lucas. 
Corp., Thomas Croft, 

George W. Gochler. 
•• T. Shirk, 
" T. G. Leathers. 
" G. L Ferre, 
" Jacob Kaup. 
•• D. Williams. 
" Philip Stout, 
" L. C. Bullock, 
' Frank Hogan, 
" G. kV. Long, 
" Daniel Hannau, 
" George Eminhizer, 
" Charles Cook, 
" A. P. Grove, 
" J. H. Crock, 
" A. Eminhizer, 
Mac, John Whiteman, 
" F. B. Williams, 

PRIVATES. 

A. Arnot, 

D. M. Beck, 
Charles Black, 

B. B. Bototr, 
A. Bowmester, 
Edward Brown, 

C. J. Baker, 

D. M. Baily, 
Charles Bratton, 
D. H. Barto, 



A Boyer, 
James Boon, 
J. M. Barnhart, 
S. Bombaugh, 
J. Boyer. 

D. F.Britton, 

1. G. Bantilborg, 
Mosses HuUock, 
Jfesse Conley. 
Aaron Crock, 
IL. Cochler, 
William Calderwood, 
P. Curtis, 
J. Cresswell, 
W. Casset, 

E. Crock, 
H. Clarke. 
J. Campbell. 
J. J.jCline. 
T. Campbell, 
J. DeHass, 

R. Daugheubaugh, 
Hugh Dougherty, 
D. Douglass. 
W. H. DeWall, 
Jacob Dickie, 
William Dunlap, 
George Duffey, 
W. Daughenbaugh, 
T. DeHass, 
J. Evy, 
W. L. Eckley, 
W. H. Etian, 
William Funk, 
Jeremiah Fravel, 
G. W. Funk, 
J. Falty. 
W. Flack, 
J. Ferree, 
J. H. Glenn, 
John Gummo, 
G. W. Gill, 



R. D.'Stratton, 
John C. Struble, 
T. Saxton, 
W. T. Shaffer, 
Arthur Swisher, 
H. D. Sands, 
Joseph Shoup, 
David Tate, 
J. H. Thorn H-. 
George Toombs, 
W. J. Vanlear, 
Staniy Walson, 
W. M. Wilson, 
D. R. Wi.ser, 
Calvin Wolf, 
J. W. Ward. 
IPhilip Winterod, 
I Thomas Watson, 
I William Witherite, 
John Yeager, 
I Henry Zechman, 
r, P. V. I. 
M. L. Glenn. 
Noah M. Huber, 
G. T. Hunter, 
R. Haines, 
John Heverly. 
James P. Haines, 
W. A. Hartsook, 
J. Haines, 

B. F. Holter, 
David Herdersholt, 
Israel Hoover, 
Irwin Haines. 

L. D. Hoover, 
J. H. Haines, 
G. W. Harkins, 
Robert Howard, 
G. Hipe, 
G. Isenhart. 

C. Johnson, 
I. C. Knoll, 

D. Knoll, 

L. Kreitner, 
J. G. Keisinger, 
James Lucas, 
W. T. Luthers, 
T. Luthers, 
John Long, 
J. M. Lucas, 
T. Long, 
J. R. Long, 
Edward Lynch, 
William Lyons, 
B. F. Musser, 
J. Miller. 
M. P. MehaflTey, 
James Malligan, 
John Miller, 
John Moore, 
George Moore, 
D. Martin, 
Charles Morrell, 
Charles Miller, 
James Montgomery, 
John Murray, 
Thomas Mullen, 



APPENDIX. 



John Martin, 
George G. :\IcElhoe, 
W. T. McMullen, 
Calvin McElhoe, 
W. A. McCov, 
John T. Mckirk, 
Robert MeAllen. 
C. Nicholas, 
S. L. Nott, 
W. Neff, 
G. D. Pifer, 
W. W. Peoples, 
George Petler, 
James Peace, 
■T. Patterson, 
T. Ro bison, 
W. Reeder, 



('apt., Austin Curtin, 

" C. T. Fryberger, 
1st Lieut., J. P. Gregg, 

W. K. hWitlock, 
2d Lieut., E. R. Goodfollow, 

J L. Hinton, 
Sergt., Andrew T. Boggs, 

'• J. H. Winters, 
Henry S. Krape, 

" F. R.'Shope, 

" J. Sewell. 

" J.B.Gill, 

" A. A. Yarrington, 

" F. Glossner, 
Corps.. J. L Yarnell, 

'• W. W. Wetzler, 

" J. S. Fox, 

" W. L. Mose.s. 

" W. B. BlaUe, 

" J. H. Bostellers, 

" J- H. McBride, 

" H. Sailor, 

" M. C. Johnson, 

" Charles Hinton, 

" John McClain, 

" S. Roop, 

" L. A. Hartley, 

" G. B. Geltz. 
J. H. Kelso, 

PRIVATES. 

A.D. Albert, 
John Adams, 
C. Blarm, 
W. Beaser, 
John B. Bathurst, 
W. H. Brown, 
J. Beckett, 
W. Beoll, 
John Barger. 
W. H. Bathurst, 
H. W. Butler, 
James Blarm, 
H. W. Brown, 
John R. Baker, 
K. V. Butler. 
'P. Barto, 
A. Cox. 
a. Craig, 
H. H. Cook. 



William Rossman, 
John Riley, 
Edward Ryan, 
K. L. Rupert, 
T. H. Reed, 
L. Reynolds, 
Thomas Ryan, 
H. Sailor, 
A. C Saire, 
J.G.Stone, 
A. B. Smith, 
J. H.Strunk, 
D. H.Shawley, 
R. Strickland, 
J. Slicht, 
G. B. Shratrer, 
W. A. Taylor, 

COMPANY " 

S. Cook, 
H. Comsey, 
(t . W. Carsons, 
R. Driinmoud, 
S. F. Dentler, 
George Dean, 

D. V. Drake, 
J. W. Doland, 

E. Dillon, 
W. Doyle, 
P. Dohaas, 
T. Evers, 

J. H. Eldrige, 
W. Eeklcy, 
J. Folk. 
H. A. Folk, 
W. L. Flick, 
J. A. Fulton, 
Charles Free, 
D. Felters, 
W. Gibson, 
D. Glossner, 
C. Gamble, 
William Galbraith, 
R. Griffith, 
J. K. Gardner, 
C.S.Garrett, 
C. Glenn, 

A. Grant, 

F. Haikson, 
J. Harbison, 
J. Hillegas, 
J. Hinzey, 

B. F. Hall, 
M. E. Hobbs. 
J. H. Hinton, 
H. C. Holter, 
J. M. Herr, 
M. Hartigan, 

C. Heberly, 
W. Hunter, 
N. T. Hoel, 

D. W. King, 
Levi Killetts, 
O. Kindred, 
J. B. Kerr, 

S. Kemppe, 
F. Korchotf, 
W. Kemes, 



W. V. Tate, 
Tliomas Taylor, 
M. A. Walker, 
M.Walker, 
Samuel Whuler, 
J. A. Wilson, 
Ross Whiteman 
J. B. White, 
L. H. Watson, 
J. B. Williams, 
John Williams, 
T. Williams, 
|M. Williams, 
J. P. Williams, 
IG. W. Young, 
Reuben Yarnell. 



J. Kemes, 
J. W. Kilmore, 
R. Logan, 
N. A. Lucas, 
Z. Letterman, 
L W. Lewis, 
A. Linn, 
J. Laird, 
J. F. Lucas, 
John Lyons, 
D liOng, 
H. Long, 
S. S. Lucas, 
R. Lucas, 
A. Miller, 
W. F. Marev, 
T. Morgan,' 
A Miles, 
T. Mninze, 
H Micliaels. 
R. M. Martin, 
A. Moore. 
D. B. Mai one. 
Is. F. Muffley, 
A. Mclntyre, 
P. MeKeown, 
G. W. McClain, 
W. McGinness, 
T. McNichol, 
P. McGee, 
Joseph McCarty, 
W. C. McCauley, 
J. MeGinly, 
W. L McCann, 
J. I. McDonald, 
D W O'Neil, 
W. Orner, 

D. H. Parsons, 
G. M. Peck, 

E. Fletcher, 

J. A. Robinson, 
J. H. Robinson, 
W.A Reaber, 
M. Riddle, 
J. Shreffler, 
H. L. Sands, 
A. Shewey, 

F. Swisher. 

G. Suisher, 



10 



APPENDIX. 



Charles Smith, 

B. F. Smith, 

G. Simonds, 

W. Swartz, 

A. J. Strawcutter, 

T. Stephinson, 

J. A. Shirk, 

D. Strawoiitter, 

J. Stiffel, 

D. tV. Sehenclc, 



Ist.Lt.. W.L. Raphile, 
2n(] Lt .H.li. Benner. 
Muc , J. Wliitaker, 

PRIVATES. 

W. Boell, 
J. Boden. 
J. Bioibowpr. 
S. Byke, 
H. Brown, 
F. Bower, 
F. D. Bongey, 



P. B. Spotts, 
N. Thompson, 
.T. D. Thompson, 
N. B. Thomas, 
W. F. Ward, 
John Weaver, 
.1. Weiss, 
W. !\r. Watson, 
T. S. Williams, 
E. Williams, 

COMPANY 



|W. W. Wilson, 
A. Wants, 
A. Waters, 
M. Williams, 
L. Williams, 
T. B. Whitelock 
TI. Wilson, 
N. S. Williams, 
a. Willioms, 
W. A. Weaver, 



'b: 



:A. Cox, 

H. Conway, 

A. Duck, 
I R. Drnmmond, 

S.T. Dixon, 
IW.Dunlevy, 

F. Eitler, 

A. Graffius, 

A.Griffis. 

James Hinton, 



I A. J. Hopkins, 
William Ickoff, 
J. Long, 
W. Long, 
J. Leher, 
T. Mayes, 
A. Moore, 
H. McAllister, 
R. Powers, 
J. A. Robinson, 



Capt., Henry Stevens. 

J. O. Campbell, 

John Beek. 
1st Lt., A. W. Harper. 
2d Lt., John Irvin. 

A.S. Bailev, 
1st Sergt., VV. H. Mnss< 
Sergt., Joseph Bailey, 

G. W. Loner, 
" W. Bell. 
'• H. Irvin, 



COMPANY "£." 

Sergt., J. Riggle, 
" W. S. koons, 

Corp., W. H. Poorman, 
" P. Cnpp, 
" F. H. Weston, 
" J. B. Mer.iimon, 
" J. Graham, 
" T. Bratton, 
" J. G. Gross, 
" J. S. MeCurdy 



Corp., 



Mno., 



PRIVATES 

W. Allev 

J. E. Arnold, 

W. .1. Arthurs, 

]>. B. Allen, 

J. Amigli, 

H. Hartoe, 

Ira Buck, 

J. Bradley, 

G. W. Black, 

H. Bressler, 

J. P. Bateman, 

S. Bodle. 

S. H. Benn, 

W. H. Bateman, 

S. Branstetler, 

A. Bathurst, 

(-harles Brownlee, 

I. Bailey, 

J. Beck, 

A. Bailey, 

J. Bell, 

R. Bailev, 

J. M. Bailey. 

John t^'arroll, 

A. H. Cox, 

M. Cox, 

John Chase, 

Wm. Campbell, 

S. Cramer, 

C. Cartvvright, 

J. Caldewood, 



S. Chranister, 
J. D. Chranister, 
W. Deter, 
J. C. Davi.«, 
Paul Dugan, 
G. C. Deter, 
J. L Dennis. 
J. Devore, 

B. Dunlap, 

H. G. Ditzrorth, 
W. Ellenbargcr, 
S. Eyer, 

jj. Ewing, 

1 R. Ewing, 
('. Ellenbargcr, 
J. Force, 
J. Frev, 
J. A. Flora, 
William Frey, 
H. P. Funk, 
L. G«ss, 
W. Gearhart, 
W. R. Glenn, 
John Gilliland, 
N.S.Goldman, 

C. Gates, 

J. G. Heberling, 
J. Hutchinson, 
A. K. ?Larper, 
J. A. HitiVnan, 
R. Haldeinan, 
I W. Hunter, 



D. B. Harpster, 

A. Irvin. 

A. W. Johnston. 

W. Johnson. 

D. A. Kennedy, 

S. Krider, 

T. B. Kclley, 

M. W. Krider, 

J. E. Kaufmann, 

S. D. Kaufman, 

J. C. KanfFman, 

H. H. Krider, 

J. Krider, 

D. Love, 

J. R. Lennon, 

F. M. Lingle, 

G. W. Lingle, 
John Lago, 
James Lott, 
1>. Lightner, 
R. Miller. 

H. Miller, 
P. Miller, 
I William Moore, 
A. Mitchell, 
G. W. Murphey, 
T. A. Mayes, 
J. W. Myers, 
S. H. Myers, 
H. H. Mnrphy, 
G. Mingle, 
J. Jlaycs, 



IB. Raphile, 
J. Shirk, 
W. Sward, 
I J. S. Shaffer, 
] H. M. Stone, 
IT. Stevenson, 
('. Smith, 
William Sharp, 
rjeoree Segear, 
J. E. Tyler, 



John Giles, 
J. L. Krider, 
H. S. Thompson, 
W. H. Buck, 
John Campbell, 
II. Ellenberger, 
J. A. Hirst, 
J. M. Rankin, 
W. Us man, 
W. A. Jackson, 

(t. W. Jlerriman, 
G. M. .^larks. 

J. Mnr.sel. 
W. Miller. 
J. :\IcCardle. 
T. B. Mc Williams 
W. .McClellan, 
T. Norman, 
W. A. Poorman, 
.1. R. Pheasant, 
I. T. Pierce, 
John Peters, 
John C. Piery, 
J. Ramsharger, 
M. C. Rider, 
J. H. Roach, 
D. Ryan, 
D. Ray, 
J a. Ryder, 
J. W. Ryder, 
J. T. Sims, 
J. Strope, 
C. a. Shock, 
W. Sims, 

A. Sharer, 
H. Schall, 

J. H. Taylor, 

J. Twaddle, 

W. H. Thompson, 

J. Uhich. 

J. B. Vosburg, 

B. Vandyke, 



APPENDIX. 



11 



G. W. Woston, 
J. E. Way, 



Capt. 



ID. W. Way, 
I A. Wilson, 



I W. ir. Weye, 
|(r. Weston, 



, .T.]\r. r,i-een, 
A. S. Davidson, 
" J. A Quisclov, 
" A. W. Wakefield, 
" J. I\r. Thompson, 
" J. M. Wix, 
1st Lieut., I. X. Ritner, 
.T. B. Rogers, 
2d Ijieut., "W. D. Harper, 
A. T. Hilands, 
Sergt., "W. H. Mauger, 
" S. B. Bartlev, 
" W. H. McCormick, 

PRIVATES. 

I. Armitrong, 

.r. Andrews, 

"W. H. Ammerman, 

W. Attig, 

O. Bingman, 

.1. J. Barnard, 

L. T. Briiner, 

D. W. Bair, 

George Bryiier, 

J. M. Bryner, 

H. Barton, 

.1. IMntruien, 

.1. B. Hartley, 

William Beaver, 

D. L. Bansiin, 
G. W. Boatty, 
S. Bowman, 

E. Bowman. 
E. Colptzer, 
J. Campbell, 
R. V. Campbell, 
A. Cope, 
H. J. Close, 
.1. M. (;onfer, 
I\I. W. r>unning, 
1). Delaney, 



COMPANY ".1." '\9th REGIMENT, P. 
Sergt., A. Thompson, ; 

" J. I>. W. Henderson, 
" John R. Radiean, 
" O. C. Beck, 
" C. B. ^feClenahan, 
" J. l\r. Stevens, 
Corp., E. Peters, 
I •' J. H. Patton, 
Levi Beach, 
G. W. Bingnan, 
B. F. Johns, 
J. K.Snyder, 
E. Gross, 

IJ. P. LefHer, 



George Diven, 
r. Dale, 
.iohn Ensick, 
J. Eckley, 
J. H. Endslow, 
J. H. F(^rguson, 
"William Farris, 
W. L. Ferguson, 
8. F. Frain, 
J. H. Gross, 
Levi Gill, 
George Gross, 
L N. Ginrich, 
P. Garrctty, 
A. Grier, 
J.Ci. Hirl, 
J. Hassineer, 
W. T. Herd, 
Benjamin Ingle, 
J. G. Jacobs, 
Robert Kelley, 
G. W. Kipple, 
J. Kepperling, 
James Kidd, 
George A. Krise, 
W. W. Kope, 
J. M. Kline, 



H. H. Lamb, 
J. H. Miiler, 
P. L. Miller, 
R. Maurer, 
Wm. Moreland, 
A. Milliken, 
J. W. IMoyer, 
J. G. Milliken. 
John Messermaii, 
G. MeClain, 
John McCalebs, 
J. I. MeCloskey, 
M. McElewee, 
S. MeClanahan, 
J. R. Naugle, 
H. O'Brian, 
T. J. Ovis, 
M. O'Donnell. 
John Pollock, 
F. Peter, 
D. P. Peek, 
S, A. Plank, 
S. H. Philips, 
I. Peeht, 
J. P. Patterson, 
M. D. Rcivv, 



Capt., John Boal, 
" A. B. Hutchinson, 
" A.T.Stewart, 
Ist Lt., W. M. Irvin, 
2d Lt., W. Rue!, 

" J. B. Downing, 
" H. T. Johnston, 
1st Segt., A, Sloat, 

W. B. Osman, 
W. Sineer, 
Sergt., S. H. Packingli.am, 
•' I. B. Dasher. 



COMPANY 

Sergt., B. Whiteliead, 
" E. Gusbin, 
" H. M. Benner, 
" J. S. Machomer, 
" T. B. Hilderbran.i 

Corp., J. T. Hogentogler, 
" S. A. Bickler, 
" H. G. Arbegast, 
" W. A. Stahl, 
" J. S. Darling, 
" J. C. Frey, 



PRIVATES. 

W. N. Anderson, 
H. Allen, 
J. lierny, 

D. Butterbaugh, 
S. T. Braekbill, 
M. B. Beaver, 

E. t;ook, 

S. S. Cornell, 



D. W. Crowley, 
J. Fulton, 

J. "W.Ganlner, 

E. W. H. Kreider, 
E. C. Koonce, 

J. Kuster, 
S. C Lytle, 
Jacob Musser, 
P. Mann, 



W. A. Myers, 
John Zinsser, 
8. M. Me.AIon trice, 
W. McElhattan, 
D. S. Parker, 
W. Rhone, 
C. Rockwell, 
J. P. Reitzell, 
W. F. Stephenson, 



IF. A. Weston, 
I J. Ward, 

V.I. 

" John Lepley, 
" J. H. K rider, 
" .lames Rider, 
" C. Bumbaugh, 
" O. p. Zell, 
" D. S. Earnest, 
" D. Loudon, 
" J. .M. Rhine. 
" H. B. Menichan, 

W. II. Conier, 
■' A. W. Duke, 
•■ J. A. Knoll, 
•' William Walker, 

.r. 11. Reinciskcr, 

A. Hodgers, 

J. Run van, 

J. M. Rose, 

J, M. Rupp, 

Augustus Reeman, 

J. Richardson, 

I D. Sv merman, 

lA. Smith. 

W. B. ."^tone, 

J. M. Sankey, 

I \. Seibert, 

•1. A. Shoemaker, 

G. W. Smith, 

A. N. Smith, 

H. H. Spigelmyer, 

John Stumfr. 

Benjamin Thomas, 

i;. II. Taylor, 

H. Thempson, 

S. J. Weirick. 

<;. W. Wilson, 

Robert A. Work, 

.1. Wildman, 

John Wasson, 

S. A. Zeigler, 



J. F. Miner, 
G. A Sourbeer, 
W. A. Youtt, 
L. G. McLand, 
J. C. Kberts, 
E. PeitFer, 
J. Kline, 
A. J. VVilkey, 
J. Woods, 
J. W. Adam.s, 
H. Ritter, 

B. C.Stephenson. 
S. Smith, 
W. J. Shirk, 
G. W. Tipton, 
M. Thompson, 
S. Tinkelpaugh, 
J. Williams, 
S. N. Wolf, 
J. B. Young. 



IL' 




APPEXDIX. 






C03IPANY "J." -^Gth REGIMENT, P. V. I. 


Oapt.. E. F. M. Huston, .Sergt., H. Lngan, 


f'Ol'p., 


F. A. Hutton, 


•• S. H. Williams, ' U. Harrager, 




H, Stonebreaker, 


1st Lt , H. A. Layeock, \ " C. Bird, 


" 


J. Gardner, 


S. Healey, 


" J. C. Lebo, 


" 


S. Altimore, 


'• FT. n. Cook. 


■' J. W. Umpherd, 




W. Hylert, 


2(1 Lt. (t. Y Robinson, 


•■ W. Wells, 




H. Leter, 


'• W. M. WpHs, 


" J. G. Lebo, 


" 


C. Marche, 


" CharleM Morrow, 


fJorp.. 'I'. Hotfman, 




J. Vanderburg, 


1st Sergt., c. Ruft; 


G. Metzgar, 


" 


M. J, Sloenra, 


Sergt.. T. Enoch, 


" K. Chrenisler, 


Muc, 


W. S. Carr, 


W. Anflerson, 


" W. Dearderf, 






PRIVATES. 


J. A. C.infield 


S. Johnson, 


J. Orasby, 


R. P. ArbncUle. 


I>. H. Dunkle, 


E. Krumrine, 


J. O'Brien 


L. Avers. 


J. M. Deach, 


A. Murtz. 


D. Robb. 


W. Aslihurton. 1 Irvin Erb, 


E. Morris, 


A. Robins, 


W. Bovrle, 1 A. Rgee, 


D. Michael, 


G. Roush, 


R. W. Rell, j.T. Pineapp, 


L. Myers, 


E. S. Sipps, 


S. Boyer, J. W. Green, 


A. Minoble, 


S. C. Shetter, 


W. Heaver, 'P. Graham, 


J. Mitchel. 


T. Taylor, 


S. B:ii'nes, 


\. Guest, 


John Mitchel, 


v.. T. Tinckelpaugh 


G. E. Bennett, 


T. Helmes, 


M. MeCormiek, 


S. Wort. 


E. F. Blair, 


G. Hoff, 


T. McKinnes, 


J. H. Williams, 


N. H. Cor.iinan. .1 .1. Henk. 


T. McMile, 


M. Walsh. 


B. Caggins, .1. B. Ingersoll, 


T. MeCormiek, 


H. Warner, 


D. N. Clanoy, E. Jones. 


D. Newhart, 


T.S. Wells. 


J. Courtney, 






COMPANY "JS." SEVENTH CAl'ALRY. 




Cnpt., I. B. PhaefTer, 


Corp.. W. Kestor. 


Corp., 


J. Rhoades, 


'• E. P. Inhotf, 


" W. (^. Hughes, 


Sad.,G 


. Caldwell, 


Sergt., S. Foster, 


" R F. Jooe.s, 


" C. 


W. Smith, 


•• .J. P. Hughes. 


" J. Brown. 


" B 


W. Brettin, 


Corp.. .J. Bruns.'ist. 


" J- J. Eyer, 


" L 


Catherman. 


" ]T. Hnftmaster. 


" J. Hull, 


Bss., 


G. Wagner, 


.1. Kling, 


" T. Longwell. 


■' 


'. Alexander, 


PRIVATKS. 


W. H. Fearson, 


W. H. Miller, 


L Smith, 


G. W. Ailaois. 


W. H. Fulton, 


F. H. Mantts, 


J. C. Somberger, 


W. Allen, 


G. Grove, 


R Mills, 


J. Strunk, 


,1. A. Blair. 


J. H. Gladfelter, 


B. Metzger. 


D. Snyder, 


.1. Berrv. 


E. Gross, 


0. Mantle, 


B. Seyler, 


.). H. Bnmer, IT. Hollingshead. 


W. Neff, 


G. W. Seheffler, 


.1. P. Boush, 


E. Haverly, 


D. Patton, 


T. J. Tonner, 


S. H. Bennett, 


J. Inhoff. 


W. Price, 


R. Townsend, 


K. M. Bennett, 


G. N. Jaek.son, 


J. K. Robins, 


G. Troutner. 


G. W. Bovvers. 


J. A. Jacoby, 


W. Rishel, 


G. H. Wilson, 


W. W. Caldwell, .1. M. Johnson. 


H. (^. Royer, 


G. Wolf, 


W. Clark, M. Knapp, 


J. W. Rothrick, 


J, Wolf. 


A. Dimmiok, J. M'Knight, 


H. Romig, 


T R. Watkins, 


T. R. Uemis, W. KiefF, 


G. Rover. 


A. Winklebleck, 


A. Fite. IH. Kahler, 


H. Rishel. 


W. F. Wilson, 


T. J. Fau.\-, Is. Kinney, 


H. Shaffer. 


H. Yeager, 


J. R. Faux. J. L. Lee, 


W. W. Snyder, 


M. Zindel, 


G. Fiddler. L. R. IJewellyn, 


W. M. Stevenson, 


J. R. Zimmerman, 


S. Farrell. 






COMPANY "f?." 5Ut REGIMENT, P. V. 1 




Ajt.. L. P. Bible, 


Sergt.. D. C. Ammerman, 


Corp., 


C. Heichel, 


Capt., A. B. Snvder, 


•' I). Youts, 


" 1 


^. Hinton, 


" Wm. H. "Blair, 


" J. A. Clark, 


" "\ 


iV. Manre, 


•' J. R. Gilliland, 


L. Cartuivel, 


" 


. E. Wilt. 


1st Lt., George B. Campbell. 


'■ J. A. Peters, 


" 


. Dow ing. 


J. Gunsallus, 


A. Grassmire, 


" ( 


T. Armstrong, 


2d Lt., C. B. Stoneroad, 


Coi'p., J. Ammerman. 


" 


-I. Dickson, 


" G. Decker, 


" J. F. Bowes, 


" J 


. Casher, 


IstSegt, William Heishel. 


" R. Lewis, 


Muc, i 


■?. Brewer, 


Sergt., E Shannon, 




" M. Falsi 


1 


" J 


, Elder, 







APPENDIX. 






rRIVATE, 


H. Emel, 


J. G. Lucas, T. Slater, 


T. Animeniiiin, 


B. .1. Etters, 


J. B. Lucas, 


8. G. Stitinger, 


T. Arbu<-kle, 


.T.Fie, 


\. Lotig, 


M. Shires, 


J. E. Ammerman, 


D. Frieze, 


M. A. lioeb, 


J. Shey, 


J. A Hard, 


A. Fetzer, 


J. G. Lucas, 


D. Sheets, 


L. Bowes, 


E . Farr, 


G. Meisse, 


C. Sheets, 


R. Benell, 


J. J. Fisher, 


T. Moser, 


D. Showers, 


J. S. Bei^htol, 


L. Giles, 


D. Miller, 


C. Simon, 


H. Belcher, 


J. Gummo, 


R. Montgomery, 


W. Search, 


J. Bruce, 


W. Hess, 


S. Moore, 


J. A. Scott, 


J. Bowes, 


•r. Hall, 


W. Moore, 


(t. Thomas, 


W. Buov, 


H. Houmell, 


C. L. Morrison, 


H. Thompson, 


P. H. BrKtton, 


R. C. Hollabaugh, 


J. Miller, 


J. Troy, 


J. Blvler, 


S. Harrison, 


T. McCoflity, 


John Troy, 


J. Beishtol, 


.1. Heinel, 


M. .McMahon, 


A Thatcher, 


T. Baird. 


M. Heming;, 


J. McMonigal, 


J. B. Taylor, 


R. Bowers, 


W. Harrington, 


B. MeLarney, 


S. Troy, 


W. M. Crossley, 


E. Held, 


J. S. Noll, 


1'. Weiler, 


(ieorge Cox, 


W. P. Hall, 


H. G. Pierce, 


G. Wertz, 


J H. t'onser, 


A. Hall. 


P. Powers, 


J. Williams, 


V. Carson, 


H. Heichel, 


W. Poorman, 


J. Wertz, 


J. Confer, 


T. Irwin, 


J. Poorman, 


I). Wornes, 


A. J. Clifton, 


G. H. Jassett, 


H. Pott; 


D. Watson, 


H. Cramer, 


G. Johnson, 


P. Prescott, 


W. Wilson, 


C. Callahan, 


B. Jolinston, 


J. Powers, 


W. Watson, 


W. Derry, 


A. B. King, 


G. Rodgers, 


H. Woodrins, 


J. Dickson, 


J. K. King, 


L. Reese, 


J. Walker, 


W. Davis, 


C. Kase, JC. E. Hicker, ij. Watts, 


J. V. Derstine, 


J. P. Katon, P. Richards, 


N. Whipple, 


E. Duncan. 


J. Kearns. Ij. Rapp, 


W. Wen rick, 


M. Dillen, 


M. Iv earns, W. Re- ides. 


L. A. Wylands, 


D. Deekman, 


S. Killinger, 


H. A. Ro .n. 


W. Wiggans, 


E. licnvnint;. 


G. Larah, 


H. D. Sliowers. 


J. Watson, 


.J. Dolan, 


J. Leiby, 


A. Smith, 


P. S. Yeager, 


K. Ells, 


S. Leferer, 


George Smith, 


W. Young, 


N. Ecklcy, 


A. Lotig, 


W. A.Smith, 






C03IPAyr "F." SECOND CAVALRY. 


Capt., P. B. Wilson, 




F. T. Wallace, 


" C. R. Williams, 


•' VV. W. Anderso 


11 > 


Sergt., Jr.mes Miller, 


'■ J. Lipard. 


" C, R. Sec, 




" G. W. Singleton, 


" J. R. Smith, 


" \V. H. Sheller, 




H. S. Graham, 


M. Hurley, 


1st Lt.. T.(-;. Snyder, 




A. Carper, 


" J. Rush, 


•' \V. W. Netterfi 


eld. 


■' J. E. Andrews, 


" W. !']. Crowther, 


" S. W. Jones, 




" H. MeEwen, 


" C. Smitli, 


" H. L. Snyder, 




" H. S. Fresenthick. 


P>ug., J. A. Canady, 


2d Lt , G.W.Watson, 




" C. H.Mallory, 


B. S. S . R. M. Wolf, 


" F. H. Armstron 


g. 


Corp., G. Null, 


Far., W. A. Bartliolomew 


Q. M. St., G. W. Menii 


ner, 


" A. F. Stratitr, 


" A. W. Rapmond, 


G. W. Bentle 


y, 


'• J. McDonnel, 


Sad., E. Bartholomew, 


Com. Sgt., H. Mallery, 




" I. Williams, i " J. K. Leighton, 


PRIVATES. 


D. Daine, 


T. Hannali, 


W. Leuniek, 


I. Bartholomew, 


C. M. D>>itriok, 


J. Heverlv, 


S. J. Lewis, 


B. Bodl-e, 


P. Danny. 


W. L. Halle well. 


T. L. Leehey, 


J. H. Booths, 


H. D. Donahue, 


E. J. Henderson, 


F. D. Mullen, 


J. M. Bums^ardner, 


\. Declier, 


M. D. Henny, 


W. F. Merriman, 


E. Blane, 


G. Emerick, \J. A. Hines, 


J. Merriman, 


K. Brooks, 


W. G. Eh ret. 


J. E. Huston, 


C. Mahatfey, 


W. B. earner. 


O. P. Evans, 


D. H. Henderson, 


A. B. Meyers, 


W. H. Chatin, 


J. Fenner, 


S. S. Hines, 


I. B. Mocherman, 


N. L. Cheney, 


M. Fanon, 


W. D. Ingram, 


A. J. McKee, 


.1. Croek.s. 


O. D. Forrest, 


W. Johnson, 


T. P. McGovern, 


W. (larr. 


W. H. Gill, 


C. Klaget, 


J. McPain, 


.1. Croaft, 


W. Gross, 


C. Killits, 


T. McForlard, 


J. R. Cristman, 


W. F. Slem, 


\V. Kelley, J. McForard, 


J. Carter. 


H, Gilnet, 


W. W. Lanson, ]C. J. McFarland. 


J. Davis, 


M. L. Ganoe, 


L. Leport, 


F. McCabel, 


R. Diamend, 


R. Gin 


giy. 


G. F. Lee, 




W. F. Nuyhart, 



13 



H 



APPENDIX. 



L. W. OdeH, 
M. (VHHilern, 
P. O'Dnnnall, 
\V. H. Patterson, 
A. Parker, 
A. Pennfecld, 
A. H. Pedott, 
E. R. Plummer, 
J. Potter, 



W. Pearch, 
J. Pifer, 
,1. C. Reed, 
J. Reed, 
E. Snyder, 
J. Search, , 
,T. H. Stine, 
J. N. Sones, 
C. Sherrad, 



J. Steafle, 
J. Suders, 
E. Swartz, 
J. Seckler, 
T. Sherman, Jr. 
J. T. Snover, 
W. Steven, 
S. W. Shope, 
W. D. Tnip, 



IP. Trimhall, 
W. Weish^ 
A. J. Wnlf, 
1'";. Woodrine, 

|r. H.'Worden, 
,T. P. White, 

|L. Wilson, 
L. Zimmers. 



Lt. Col., John T. Jack 
Surg., J. P. Wilson, 
Capt., VV. VV. Brown, 
" J. T. Jaek. 
" R. B. Barger, 
" A. D. Tanyer, 
" S. H. Bennison, 
1st Lt., J. H. Rankin, 
" W. T. Brisbin. 
■' Kenry Ehy, 

PRIVATES. 

J. Bunker, 

H. Blake, 

J. H. Blake, 

W. T, Bennett, 

J. Beatty, 

S. Barr, 

W. L. Brioker, ] 

K. F. Blair, 

John Beck, 

O. L. Curvin, 

H. Calhoun, 

D. Covvher, 

W. DeWitt, 



COMPANY "iy." !:,cth REGIMENT, 

" W. P. nnrwin, 
2d Lt., J. J. Brisbin. 

" S. H. Williams, 
1st Ajt., A. Irvin, 

" J. M. r'lirden, 
Sergt., J. A. Haldei-man, 

" A. Tjineleton. 

" C. Strickland. 

'■ F. Sensnn. 
Corp., E. J. Smith. 

J. T. TT 



P. V. I. 



W. DeWiit, Sr 
(x. Eekley, 
G. D. Ku-ina, 
John Fmerick, 
FL Fanner, 
A. Fisher, 

■ W. Fi V, 

iJ. Frain, 
J. Y. Gill, 

II\I. Hooven, 

IH. Hoover, 
J. Harris, 
A. Hutchison, 

If. Hoover, 

COMPANY "i^.' 



Trr„,k- 

C. H. Ibdm, 
1) Knon, 
S. Konn, 
J. F. Lucas, 
G. W. Lucas, 
L F. ]\rason, 
J: Markle, 
J. Mvers, 
(t. M'artz, 
(t. Parsons, 
W. Piper, 
J Swisher, 



TT. P. Blair, 

J. Starr, 

J. Holmes, 

J. Pifer. 

T. Am merman, 

J. H. Farber, 
D. R. P. Gill, 
T. Lucas, 

D. O'Brien, 
M. G. Swinehart, 

J. Phively, 

S. Shirers, 

S. H. Stine, 

D. Suitzer, 

A. Stratten. 

A. E. Scholl, 

J. Sawver, 
'J. William.s 
! J. Weaver, 

G. W. Woods, 

C. E. Way, 

A. Willaslage, 
T. Williams; 

D. Vouna:, 



Capt. C. M. Runkle, 
" G. S. Michael.s, 



Corp., T. R. Benner, 



Capt., F. W. Hess, 
l.stLt., J. B Hoskins, 
2d Lt., J. B. Hutchinson, 
Sergt., J. M. Fichtliorn, 
" M. Heit, 



Uh REGIMENT, P. V. I. 

llstLt. J. M. Harnish. 



list Lt., G. H. Stover, 

I " J. D. Hubler, | 

COMPANY "F." 4Uh REGIMENT. 
jCorp., J. Duncan, 
COMPANY "I." ir^fk REGIMENT nm. 



I " A. Rank, 
I " T. C. Hoskins, 
ICorp., H. Edmundson, 
" W. P. Palmer, 



I Muc, 



PRIVATES. 

R. Adams, 
J. -Ashleman. 
I). Beard, 
P. Burrows, 
C. H. Blenney, 
A. Bettlevoiine, 
W. L Bover, 
J O. Burns, 
J. Colehearse, 
L. Crosthwait, 
M. Conahan, 
W. Carver. 
F. Clink, 
J. Carey 
J. Dupes, 
S. Day, 



R. Dougherty, 
J. Deitrick, 
■p. Decker, 
W. Dice, 
A.H. Edward, 
C. Ernst, 
T Earner, 
J. Fauntz, 
J. Gares, 
P. Glenen, 
T. Hughes, 
S. Hoffman, 
J. Jenkin.s, 
H. Jenkin.s, 
G. Ketner, 
W. Kreider, 



L W. Marks, 
P. M'Gay. 

E. Morgan, 
J. Morgan, 
M. Murphy, 
R. Peters, 

F. Rott, 

J. M. Robson, 

W. Roush, 

J. W. Reynolds, 

J. Shirk," 

H. P. Sankey, 

C. Sehlaterbaugh, 

A. B. Shuey, 

A. Say lor, 

John Saye, 



I. T. Cross, 
C. Hess, 
J. B. Crawford, 
G. Swin heart, 

B. F. Seibert, 
D. S.Seibert, 
S. Ticc, 
J. Thomas. 
G. W. Threlkeed, 
G. W. Went, 
James Wieka, 
D. William.s. 
J. Woolly, 
H. Willikms. 
J. Wilson, 
J. Williams, 
G. W. Walters, 
W. Yeager, 
W. Touts, 
J. A- Zettle, 



APPENDIX. 



15 



(^apt., J. H. Stover, 
1st Lt., .1. A. Rodgers, 
2d Lt., .1. P. Gregg, 
Sergt., George H. Stover, 
'• J. H. Meyers, 



COMPANY "B." XOth REGIMENT, 3m. 
'■ T. B. Quay, 
" J. Lucas. 
Corp., J. V. Kiddle, Mue. 

" S. T. :\rufflev. 



I'KIVATKS. 

8. .•\rnil)st.'r, 
J. Alenl, 
J. Anderson, 
WR. Bsll. 
Wm. R. Bell, 
A. Barringer, 
A. H. Benner, 
H. Beck, 
S. Brocker, 
L. Blessinsr, 
E. Rurkot, 
S. Biddleman, 
W. S. Bell, 
H. C. Cook, 
L. W. Cook, 
C. Cook, 



.L Chi Ids, 
G. Campbell, 
S. G. Dixon, 
L. H. Fulmer, 
J. Finkle, 
A. C. Frazier, 
O. D. Gitter, 
J. Gunsallas, 
M. Huntzleman, 
D. J. Hannan, 
'SI. W. Hamlin, 
.1. Houtz, 
D. Hendershot, 
J. L. Hiiiton, 
C. Hill ton, 
J. Hudson, 



C. .lohn.'^ton, 
C. Keys, 
.r. Linibert, 
W. r,ueas, 
IL Lucas, 
T. Myers, 
J. K. .^[cBrrile, 
P. :\retzgar, 
S. D. Otto, 
•J. .J. Peters, 
•F. S. Patterson, 
I). T). Prnner, 
G. I). RodiiOis, 
T. Rothrick, 
.r. W. Hohrbaek, 
J. Rcylcman,. 



M. MoKean, 
A. Diehl, 
J. IVilliams, 
.1. Frochamiller, 

A. Seil, 

H. H. Shearer, 
VV. Showers, 
S. Spangler, 
J. Spencer. 
■J. Ct. Stone, 
N. Schwann, 
F. Thomas, 
J. Trochamiller, 

F. Undergrove, 

G. Ulrich, 
D. Walter, 
G. Walter. 
J. Williams, 

C. H. Williams, 

D. White, 



Capt., John I.Gregg, 
" .L H. Larimer, 
" R. Dinsmore, 

1st Lt., H. P. Petriken, 
.J. P. Lucas, 
" D. M. Betts. 

Sergt., S. W. Askey, 
'• H. Delanev, 
" M. V. Force, 



PRIV.\TES. 

R. Askev, 
J. M. Askey, 
,r. Boyle, 
P. W.'BtiUoek, 
J. Bowers, 
J. Bradley, 
J. H. Beightol. 

F. Burgh, 
H. S. Comer, 
W. Comer, 

G. W. Chase, 
W. Dusenbury, 
G. Elliot, 

J. T. Etters, 
W. Eckley, 
D. Funis, 
T. E. Fleming, 



COMPANY "E." 5th RESERVES 
" M. Cox, 
" J. L. Watson, 
" H. Whisler, 
" S. Gault, 
" F. McGarvev, 
" W. W. "Watson, 
Corp., R. Malronv, 

" W. Etter.s I 

" H. McCauslin, | 

T. B. Luca.s, 



" C. A. :\rcGlauehIin, 
J. Shirelev, 
VV. Hinton, 
" D. Fulton, 
" E. Bowes, 
" B. 1!. Hall, 
Muc, G. Smith, 
" J. Gill, 



F. Fisher, 

G. Fravel, 
D. Felmalee, 
P. Gorman, 
J. H. Garritt, 
C. A. Glenn, 
S. Green, 

W. Hain, 
.J. Hughes, 
H. Hinton, 
G. Hinton, 
A. Harnish, 
L Hinton, 
S. Halabaugh, 
R. .lohnson, 
T. Kelley, 
W. H. King, 
I. Y. Lucas, 



H. M. Lucas, 

J. Muss(>r, 

J. S. Murry, 

D. B. MullhoUand, 

P. iMurray, 

•J. Mann, 

.J. H. ^licliael, 

J. MoKean, 

W. JlcCarman, 

.1. McKinney, 

T. McQuillan, 

D. Neal, 

J. Osenwaltz, 

D. Price, 

G. E. Parker, 

H. Robb, 

G. Robb, 



Capt., John B. Mitchell, 
1st Lt., James A. Beaver, 
2d Lt., C. H. Hale, 
Sergt., A. Monroe, 
" C. R. Bullock, 

PRiv.\TES. J. I. Curtin, 

F. B. Adams, J. Dinges, 

G. W. Armstrong, H. Di.xon, 
J. VV. Beal, J. Fult -n, 

S. Butler, J. H. Fulton, 

H. Calhoun, James Hams, 

Roland C. Cheesman, H. P. Harris, 
A. H. Cortner, C. Harold, 



COMPANY "H."-2d REGIMENT, 3m. 
" J. A. Bayard, 
" J. H. Montgomery, 
Corp., C. Strickland, Mue. 

T. C. Crawford, 



W. J. Hart, 
.A. Haupt, 
M. Hayes, 
J. Heverly, 
A. Hicks, 
J. Hughes. 
J. T. Jack, 
W. S. Johnson, 



IT. Ross. 

J. P.. Kunk, 

iM. Reiter, 

D. Showers, 

J. Y. Switrs, 

R. S. Scott, 
iL. Swectwood, 
;G. W-Sliitier, 
■ J.,Sarvey, 

J. Shane r, 

J. F. P. Treziynlny, 

D. Williams, 

J. Walter, 

J. F. Weaver, 

J. White, 
I H. Williams, 
jJ. B. Yaruell, 



J. L. Jolinson, 
J. Harris, 
George A. Bayard, 
G. H. Barkitt, 

M. Johnson, 
T. F. Keller, 
H. S. Lingle, 
J. G. Lucas, 
J. 3L Lucas, 
W. C. McCauley, 
B. JIcNarney, 
W. A. McCoy, 



16 



W. W. Mesuire, 
A. Miller, ' 
A. G. Neff, 
S. .f. Niehanlp, 
.1. O'Leai-y, 
William Ornpr. 
H. C. HentiinKton, 
G. ]). Piter. 



C. Rc«bb, 

J. M. Rosensteel, 

S. Roush, 

G. Bowen, 

H. H. Stone, 

C. P. Stoneroad, 

J. Sehell, Jr., 

J. W. Schlem, 



IW. Showalter, 

W. J.Smith, 
Ig. W. Spangler, 
jj. Steward, 

P. Tate, 

J, R. Tate, 

J. Tate, 
I W. Tate, 



Capt., R. McFarlane. 
l.«t Lt., .lolin Boal, 
•2d Lt.. W. N. Reiley, 
Ser>;t., G. A. Jaoobs; 
■' A. B. Hnteliinson. 

H. Eckenroth, 



COUPANY 'H:- 71h REGIMENT, 3/«. 
C. L. Greenaugh, 
A. tle.«s. 
Corp., G. Cronmill, Muc. 

" W. Shoop, 



PBIVATEg. 

J. H. Bhur, 

J. Becli, 

J. Benjamin, 

P. J. Burchfield, 

A. Burelitield, 

J. Bart.s, 

G. W. Brown. 

J. 0. Brown, 

W. B. (.;orumesser 

D. S. Campbell, 

A. Cramer. 

S. B D.innif<. 

A. Dale, 

G Duffie, 

S. Dauglienbaugh, 

J. Delany, 



\V,. Eckenroth, 
|H. Evey, 
I H. Forbes, 
U. Fox, 
|J. Fulton, 

J H Farber, 

D. Garner, 

VV. I. Gray, 

M. I). Harrison. 

H . Haughenberg, 

liar. Haughenberg, 

J H. Harpster, 

C. Harraan, 

J. H. Hoy, 

J. Hook, 



I A. John.sburg, 
D. H. John.s, 
J. H. Jacobs, 

!"W. P. Kephart, 

iG. Kerbern, 
W. T. Koons, 
I. Lytle, 
G. I.ytle, 

IR. Lytle, 
W. H. Mu.sser, 
J. McCoole, 
J. Miller, 

I John Martz, 

' D. Moore 

I H. Malone, 
J. F. Mays, 



IT. Thomas, 
!j, D. Thomas, 

A. S. Valentine, Tr. 

W. f:. VanValin, 

W. Ward, 

F. Wilson, 
I H. C. Yeager, 



.Tohn Beck, 
H. Forbes, 
J. C. Faber, 
W. Harpster, 

|B. F. Miniek, 

jD. :\Ie Ready, 
G. Ozman, 
1). O'Brien, 

iD. S. Parker, 

'D. Parsons, 

is. Roop, 
W. Reed, 
M. Rote. 

'j. Shorthill, 
J. P. Shoop, 
G. Singleton, 
J. T. Stewart, 
S. H. Williams 

P. Wort, 
H. Yarn ell, 



Capt., A. B. Snyder, 
1st Lt. William H. Blair 
2d Lt. Wm. L. Raphile, 
Sergt., James Hughes. 
E. R. Goodfellow, 

E. Cowling, 



COMPANY "£r." ith REGIMENT, 3m. 
" J. S. Boal, I " 

" J. A. Clark, | " 

Corp., Wm. C. Davis, jMuc, 

James Cowling, " 



PRIVATES. 

T. F. Antes, 

J. G. Anderson, 

F. Ammerman, 
J. Barger, 
Philip Beadley, 
C. Barger, 

L. Bowers, 
J no. Barger, 
E. Bland, 
S. Barthurst, 

G. Cox, 

J. B. Curtin, 
W. Clark, 
A.TJrawker, 
A. Doyle, 



J. B. Curtin, 
R. Gordon, 
C. M. Kephart, 



Sgt , C. Garner, 
" J. Williams, 

PRIVATES. 

A. Green, 
F. Johnston, 



A. E. Eminheiser, 

G. Funk, 

J. Fink, 

C. Fell, 

J. Funk, 

G. W. Garner, 

R. Hinton, 

J. F. Hollahan, 

S. Huej% 

R. C Hollabaugh, 

T, B. Hamilton, 

J Hayes, 

J. C. Henry, 

A. Harshberger, 

T. Holt, S. Key.s, 



G. H. Kniceley, 

L Knoll, 

J, Kulp, 

H. Kenngott, 

J. Lehr, 

M. Laughlin, 

R. Miles. 

S. L. Miller, 

H. M:u-tin, 

W. 1. Mackey, 

F. Mullin, 

J. E. I\rci'artney, 

W. McLenahan, 

D. H. Paisons, 

D. Powers, 

J. Powers, 



C. Glenn, 
L. B. Holt, 
George Young, 
E. Hutton, 

D. Swevers, 
H. Sands, 
J. Swiler, 

A. T. Schnell, 
W. H. Seultz, 
W. Shirk, 
W. Swerd, 
C. P. Steel, 

E. Spears, 
J. Shelby, 

H. Twitmire, 
C. Waltz. 
J. A. Wilson, 
W. Wilson, 
(i. K. Wyland, 
W. W. Wetsler, 



ANDERSON TROOP. 

|L. G. Lingle, IW. J. Thompson, | J. I). Tliompson, 



1-1. S. Lingle, 
T.Schner 



J. S. Thompson, 



J. F. Sehiiel 



COMPANY ''Kr &th REGIMENT, U.S.C.T. 



E. Mills. 
W. Miller, 

COMPANY "F.'" 

Segt., A. Worley, 
Muc, J. Whittin, 



i PRIVATES. — W. Derry, 
W. Green, 
|L Johnston, 
IM. Johnston. 
I W. Jolinston, 



IL. Mills, 
J. Mills, 
I W. Harding 
C. Lee, 
H. Delige. 



;^'/ 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 

Assembly, Act of, quoted . . .10 
Armstrong, Prof. Alfred ... 4.3 

Armo.', William 35 

Al'en, Dr. William H. . . 104 98 
Armstrong, Dr. John ... 161 

Aaronsburg, 105 

Agricultural Prodiietion.<, . . . 212 
Allison's Woolen Mill, . . . 223 
Banner, Gen. Philip, Sketch of . . 5 
Ba'd Eagle, the Chief, Sketch of . . id 
Brady, James death of . . . lo 

Bellefonte, 23 

Bairii, Rev. Robert .... 42 
Banking Institutions. ... 49 

" Academy, 40 

Academy, Principals of . 4."^ 
" Free Prc^s, ... 70 

" Republican, • ■ . 78 

'■' Nation;il 78 

" Press Company. . . 79 

" BrownV Repulilicaii. . . 78 

Pat"iot 7.i 

Boggs, Roliert 40 

Burrows, James, niurdei- i>i . 32 

Hlanehard. Hon. John . . 273,20 

Beaver. Gen. James A. . . . 103, 26 

Bigler, Gov. ... . . 26 

Bun-owes, Dr. S. H. . . 104,100 

Burnside. Hon. .fames . . 260, 190 
Boal. Hon. George ... 109 

Bellefonte & S. S. R. 1!. . . i-zs 

B. E. V. R. R 123 

Buti'alo & PennsvMlip.\' 'rnrnpike, . 129 
Bellefonte* Hhilip-I.ursi- Turnpike, 129 

Berry. Dr. H. J 161 

l^oalsViUrg, 160 

Bellefonte Planing Mills. &c.. . 226 

Bench and Bar, .... 228 

Burnside. Hon. Tlionjas . . . 252 
Bar, the Centre Connty . . . 264 
•', •■ •' •■ .Miinbersof . 204 

Brockerhoft' House 340 

Bush House, - . . . . 331 

Bush. D. G .333 

Centre C<-unty 1 

l-'irst Settlers of . 4, 8 

" '■ < 'rganization of . 19 

" ■■ Post (tffices in . 22 

" •' Bank of Pa., . . 49 

" " (;o. Bank. . . .59 

" " l)emocnit, . . 70 

" " Reporter, . . 79 

Central Press, ... 77 

Curtin, Rolanil .... 26, 71 

'• Hon. A. G. . . 26. 40, 55, 57, 59. 94 

107, 292,300 

Cresson, Elliot 94 

("aider. Dr. James . . . 102, 104 
Curtin Dr. Constans .... 157 

Coburn, James P 106 

Centre Hall 168 

Centre County, Physicians of . K;:', 

Centre Hill, . ' . . . 2'1 

Circuit Courts 245 

Court Officers. . .... 203 

Cooper, Hon. Thomas . . 243 | 



Church, African Methodist. 

Baptist, 
" Brethren in Christ, 
'■ Catholic, 
" Disciple. 
'• Evangelical -Association, 

Lutheran, 
'■ Messiah, 

Methodist, 
•' PIpiscopal, 

Presbyterian, 
" Quaker, 
" Reformed, 

United Brethren, 



309 
311 
311 
313 
314 
317 
319 
320 
321 
324 
326 
327 
330 



Deed of Dunlop & Harris, Copied . 18,19 
" James Harris to Borough, . 23 
Dunlop and Harris' families. Sketch of, 20 
Democratic Whig, ... .70 
Democratic Watchman, ... 77 

Duncan, James 32 

Dunlo \ Col. James . . . .29 

Dunlop, John . . . 29, 71 

Duncan, William C. . . . 115 
Dobbins, Dr. Daniel .... 157 
Distinguished Citizens, . . . 298 
Early Schools of Bellefonte, . . 148 

Eagleville, 174 

Eagle Iron Works 217 

First National Bank ot Bellefonte. . 5o 
Frazer, Gen. John . . . 104. 99 

Pilmore 21] 

Gregg, Hon. .Andrew, . . . 0,40,50. 

52, 93 
Gregg, James P. . ... .55 

" Gen. Irvin 2(; 

Guiles, Reuben, murder of . . 33 

Gregg, Colonel . . . 115,116,108 
Greene, Dr. Ellis . . . . 101 

" Gen. S. Miles . . . 299 

Gatesburg 210 

Garman House, 338 

Holt, Col. John 8 

Harris, James .... 23, 24, 18 

Hughes, Rev. J. P 47 

Humes, McAllister, Hale & Co., Bank of, 55 
Hale. Hon. Jas. T. . 108, 103, 26, 116, 254, 93 
Huston, Hon. Charles . . 250, 26, 35 
Hamilton, A Boyd .... 103 
Harris, Dr. William .... 1,50 
" Dr. John .... 160 
Dr. George F. . . . 163 

Howard, 174 

Hublersburg, ... . . 17i; 

Hannah Furnace, .... 211 

Houserville, 211 

Hotels, 331 

Indians, . .... . 9 

Incidents, &c., 31 

Iron Interests, 62 

Irvin, Gen. James 72 

Industrial .Advoi-ate, . . .84, 78 
Irvin. (Jen James . 109, 94 

Jacksonville, 210 

.luliiin Furnace 21(i 

Judiciary Legisl.'itiun. . . 233 
Judiciary 249 



PAGE. 

Joi-dor, Hon. Alexander . . 255, 259 
Logan, the Chief,; . . - .10 

Logan'.s Spring, 11 

Land Griiiit by Dunlop and Harris. . 17 
Lewis and Connelly, . . . 35 

fjinn. Kev. .lanip.s 41 

Livingston, l^rof. John ... 41 

Linn,' linn. Samuel . . . 201,105 

L. C. & S. C. K. H. 127 

Lemont 177 

Loveville 211 

Law Library, 2!)() 

Lumber 340 

.Miles, Col S.'imuel . . . . f! 

Marks, James . ... 245, 'i:i 

McCoys Farm, View From . . :57 
Miles, Josepli .... .54 

" Rit;hard . . . . .64 

IMotz & Co., John C. Bank of . . 60 
Millheim Journal .... 80 

Mc.\ili.ster, Hon. H. N. . 22, 93, 103, 108, 8.5, 
100, 107. Ill, 112, 109, 28;i 
Miles, James . ... 100, 94 

Mitehel, Hon. John . . . 20. :.5 

Mitehel, Professor . . . 156 

MeLeod, Dr. .... 162 

Mitcliel,Dr. J. B. . . .101 

.AIcKee, Dr. James . . . loi 

IMilesburg, 17.-) 

Millheim, . . .... 181 

Jladisonburg, . .... 180 

Moshanon ". 210 

Martha Furnace, . . . . 211 

Manufactures, . . ... 217 

Jlilesburg Iron Works, . . . 220 

Mann's A.\ Factory, . . 221 

Maver, Hon. C. A. . . . . 201 

McManus, Hon. J. • . . 282 

'■Negro Dan," ... . 241, 32 

" Jacob, . . ... 241 

Newspapers, . .... 71 

Nittany, • . ... 210 

Orvis. Hon. J. H. . . 22, 20, 103, 201 
Pioneers of Centre County, . . 4 
Potter, Gen. James .... 2 

Pattou, Col. John 7 

P<itter, James .Ir 

IVtinsvalley Cave 38 

Philipsburg Hanking Co. . . .50 
Pennsvalley Banking Co. . . 109. 01 
Press Company, Bellefonte, ... 79 
Philipsburg Journal, . . . 81 

Penn'a.. State <;ol., . . . . 82 

" Origin of . . 82 

•' ■' " Charter of . . 83 

" Relations to State &c., S3 
" Location of . . 84 

" " " Land. . . . 85 

" " Experimental Farm SO 

" " " Building, . 88 

'• " Course of Stndy, . . 80 

" " " Military Department, 92 

" Faculty of . - 92 

" " '■ Fonndeis of . . 93 

" Presidents 94,98,99,100 

" '■ '• Trustees of . . 103 

■' '■ Graduates of . . lOo 

Fin'l Hi?.t. ry of . 105 



Potter, Hon. W. W. 
" Capt. James 
Dr. G. L. 
Pol'ock, Gov. 
Petrikin, Wm. 

Hon. Jame.s M. 



PAGE. 

270, ?G 

3;? 

. 101 

. 94 

. 33 

383 



Pugh, Dr. Evan, Sketch of 94, 95, 90, 97, 105 
Public Improvements, . . 123 

Schools, . . . ^ 1,33 

Physicians Early , of Bellefonte . . 15G 
Principal Villages, .... 105 
Philipsb"rg, ' . . . .186 

Pine Grove Mills, 193 

" Academy, . . . 194 

Potler's Mills, "... 195 

pleasant Gap, . . . . . 190 

Port Matilda 197 

Penn'a.. Furnace. . . . 210 

Pine Glenn, .... 211 

Powelton. ..... 211 

Packer, Gov. .... 305 

Reynolds* Co., W. F. Bauk of . . 50 
Heiiersl)ur,g, .... 19S 

Ro?k Spring. . ... 210 

Reported Court Cases. . . 218 

Settlers, the First of ('cntrc County, . 48 
Standiford's Family, Killed . . 10 
Safe Guaid, The . . .79 

Spring. Deed of the Big ... 23 
Smitli, James . . . . 2t 

Supci'intendent, Meyer . . . 153 

Strohecker, Dr. Saniuel . . . 77, lOii 
.Smith, Dr. Francis .... nn 

Spring Mdls, . . . 2(jI) 

Stormstown, . . . . 201 

Snow Shoe, . . ... 2ii2 

Snydertown, . . . .211 

Sandy Ridge, . . . . 211 

Townships, Organization of . . 2(i 
Thompson & Co., John I, Bank of . 00 
Turnpike, Buffalo & Pennsvalley . 129 

Y'ngvvomans'tn & .A'ronsb'g, 129 
" Aaronsburg & Bellefonte. 129 

Bellefonte & Philipsburg, 129 
" Centre & Kishacoquillas, . 130 

" Snow Shoe & Packervillc, .130 

Bald Eagle, Nittany . . 130 

& Bellefonte, . . . 130 

" . Bald Eagle, Nittany . . 131 
" & Brushvalley, . . . 131 

B.ald Eagle & Clearfield, . 131 

Old Fort & Spruce Creek. . 131 
Thompson, Dr. James . . . 101 
Van Doran, Thomas. Shot by Indians. 9 
Vough, Simon Killed by Indians, . lo 
Valentine A Co. . . . .72 

Vanvalzah. Dr. Robert V. . . 160 

■' Thomas, . . 160 

Valentine, Etq., Bond, . . . 179 
Wilson. Kev. Henry, . . . 24 

Watts. Hon. Frederick . . 93,84 

Walker, Hon. Jonathan ... 20 

" Robert J. . . . 26 

Wilso.i, Dr.W . 1 158 

Wolf, Williair . . . . . 171 

Whitmer, Henry 168 

Wolf's Store, .... 211 

Wallace Run Tannery, . . .215 



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